In the history of the accordion there were only a handful of accomplished musicians who were also master accordion makers. Mariano Dallape was the first. Many have publicly stated that perhaps Maestro Bajic, the author of this book, may be the last.
If you are in any way connected to the accordion, a player, a teacher, a student, a maker, a repairman, a distributor, or perhaps just an accordion lover, this book is a must-read. There is enough wisdom in it for everyone.
In the first half of the book the author takes us through the history of the development of the instrument from its Chinese roots to the modern day technological marvels of professional accordions. This necessary historical overview, perhaps not a surprise in its content only to the most elect, is followed by Maestro Bajic's insights, guides, tips, tricks, and at times even commandments as well as critiques of the current state of the accordion making and playing art.
This book is a true gift to the accordion world from a man who dedicated his life to "Her Highness The Accordion," who, as his customers attest, knows its soul and thinks of it as a living being.
Just as one of his customers put it: “After he is through with an accordion, that instrument starts talking… There is no other way of explaining it,” so does he speak to the world through this book in hopes of inspiring a new Mario Dallape. Paolo Soprani, or Mathias Hohner. For, according to Maestro Bajic, as perfect as the modern accordion is, there is still a lot to desire and understand and plenty to improve.
