Description:
The Harmoshka also known by its other names Garmon or Hromka. It is a
diatonic accordion that is a member of the free-reed aerophone family
of musical instruments. The name Garmon derives from the word
Garmonika. The basic design of the Harmoshka is thought to have its
origins from a diatonic accordion that was introduced in Russia from a
Viennese diatonic accordion during the 18th century. In Russia the
harmoshka is quite popular is both urban and rural areas. The harmoshka
has its origins in Tula a city east of Moskow known for its accordion
industry and considered to be the cradle of accordions in Russia. The
traditional Russian repertoire played on the Harmoshka includes
stradanya, chatushki, patriotic songs, polkas, waltzes, marches,
wedding melodies and Christmas carols. Although many accordions were
created in this important region cousins to the harmoshka were created
in neighbouring cities or other regions entirely. Close cousins to to
the harmoshka include the Saratov, Vyatska, Talyanka (Italian Style),
Ordinankaya (a type of Garmoshka with out any bass keys), the Oriental,
Tatar and Livny accordions. In the caucasus the Oriental Garmon is
popular amongst the Chechens their name for the Oriental Garmon is
“Khekat Pondur”. The oriental garmon is also popular among the Ingush,
Georgians and in neighbouring Dagestan. It is also popular in
Azerbaijan and the Azeri region of Northwestern Iran. Outside of Russia
and the former Soviet states the popularity of this accordion is
growing amongst those who play diatonic accordions in other genres of
music.
Anatomy of the Garmoshka:
Being quite a compact instrument when closed this makes the harmoshka
easy to travel with despite its over all weight. The left side or
treble notes of the accordion have two rows, where as the right side or
bass notes of the harmoshka has three rows in total 24 bass buttons. On
the right side, there are 22 melody buttons. The reed blocks are
assembled internally to fit inside the Harmoshka when closed. On the
bass side there are two main reed blocks where as on the melody side
there are 3 reed blocks. Like their European counterparts the Harmoshka
does have its reeds set in with wax. This type of wax is specific its a
mix of bees wax and resin, paraffin wax will not work with this
procedure. This is to prevent any air leakage outside the reed blocks
when playing. Cardboard is cut into specific lengths and widths then
sealed together with fabric and sealed with cotton tape. The bellows
are sealed together by steal scrimps which hold the bellows together.
Thick cardboard bellows seal the left and right sides of the harmoshka
to complete the instrument. The red to maroon reflective cover is
celluloid stretched over the two sides of the garmoshka, many of these
instruments do have this ornamentation others may have inlay or remain
plane.