The Shape-Shifting Sounds of the Accordion | Maria Telesheva | TED

Overview

Maria Telesheva, an 18-year-old accordionist from Eugene, Oregon, shares her passion for the accordion, showcasing its versatility and unique features. Through live performances of Bach and Schubert, she highlights the instrument's technical complexity and her personal journey of mastering it.

Notable Quotes

- The bellows act as the lungs of the accordion since they pump air in and out and control the dynamics. – Maria Telesheva, on the physicality of playing the accordion.

- I just fell in love with the instrument, even though the first-ever accordion I played didn’t even have all the notes. – Maria Telesheva, on discovering her passion for the accordion.

🎵 The Accordion’s Versatility and Power

- Maria describes the accordion as a shape-shifting instrument capable of imitating sounds like the bassoon, piccolo, and organ through its registers and chin switches.

- She demonstrates its range by performing pieces from Johann Sebastian Bach and Franz Schubert, as well as mentioning her love for playing music from The Beatles and AC/DC.

- The accordion’s bellows, which Maria likens to lungs, are central to controlling dynamics and expression.

🎹 The Technical Complexity of the Accordion

- Maria introduces her professional B-system chromatic button accordion, which has 120 buttons on the left side and 106 on the right.

- She explains the physical and mental demands of playing the 35-pound instrument, describing it as both a workout and a brain exercise.

- The chin switches allow her to change tones mid-performance, showcasing the instrument’s adaptability.

👨‍👧 A Family Legacy of Music

- Maria’s father, a professional accordionist and her teacher, played a pivotal role in her musical journey.

- She recounts how her passion began with a small accordion in their living room and how having a teacher at home accelerated her progress.

- The duo often performs together, blending their shared love for the instrument.

🎼 A Celebration of Classical and Contemporary Music

- Maria’s performance of Bach’s Prelude and Fugue and Schubert’s Moments Musicaux highlights her classical training and technical skill.

- She emphasizes her love for blending genres, from classical to rock, showcasing the accordion’s ability to transcend musical boundaries.

🎤 A Young Ambassador for the Accordion

- At just 18, Maria has already performed for NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts, bringing the accordion to wider audiences.

- Her TED performance aims to inspire appreciation for the instrument’s beauty and versatility, challenging its niche reputation.