Abstract Accordion Crimes examines the immigrant experience in the United States by using the conceit of an accordion made by a Sicilian immigrant that passes from one family to another, one generation to the next, one ethnic group to another.
From the Paper "E. Annie Proulx's novel Accordion Crimes examines the immigrant experience in the United States by using the conceit of an accordion made by a Sicilian immigrant that passes from one family to another, one generation to the next, one ethnic group to another.
Each section of the book relates variations on the theme of the American immigrant experience. In each case people that somehow do not fit into the mainstream of American society must learn either to live on the margins or to make compromises with their sense of self-identity so that they may fit in. Such compromises involve the same decisions in each generation: changing one's name, one's religion, one's sense of loyalty, one's profession, the scope of one's dreams. Failure to make such changes often subjects the characters in the short term to the .."
This paper describes zydeco music and dancing, popularized by Creole French speaking people of African decent living on the prairies of south-central and southwest Louisiana.
Abstract This paper explains that zydeco music, a form of dance music, is characterized by a syncopation or a shift of accent in a passage or composition that occurs when a normally weak beat is stressed. The author points out that the accordion and keyrub board, (also know as the washboard, scrub board or a froittoir) are essential parts of the zydeco sound, but there are no fiddles as in Cajun music. The paper relates that traditional zydeco dancing was done subtly, smoothly and upright by couples in a closed position; however, zydeco dancing appears to be evolving from a couples dance to individual free-style. The author relates that Clifton Chenier, who brought the zydeco genre to international attention, reigned as the "King of Zydeco" with a career lasting 30 years, and earned a Grammy award in 1984.
From the Paper "The changes that have taken place in zydeco music can be tracked by the type of accordion that is used. There were four different models of accordions that have been widely used in the zydeco musical genre, each type varying in the number of rows, and consequently the number of keys. The accordions were sturdy and could be easily heard in big crowds of people. Today, there are diatomic models as well as chromatic models. The diatomic models only play the full-step intervals found in major scales, while the chromatic "piano" accordions encompass half-step intervals..."
Abstract Zydeco is an important musical genre and the writer defines it as fun, upbeat dance music from southern Louisiana; characterized by scrub board and thimbles, spoons (metal or wooden), fiddle, triangles, accordion and occasionally a horn or two. This paper discusses its unique origins, the impact it has had on other music forms and the what the future holds for Zydeco followers. The paper looks at the types of people who follow Zydeco music and some of its major artists.
From the Paper "The reason this genre of music is not wide spread is very simple: the French Creole dialect. Most people cannot understand the lyrics because they are generally written and performed in French Creole (Kein, 41). This dialect was very prominent in seventeenth and eighteenth centuries in Louisiana and surrounding areas by African-American descendants and a few white settlers in rural areas (Kein, 133). After the Louisiana Purchase, English became more prevalent and French Creole died out except in rural areas and was passed down from parent to child and so on(Kein 56). Today, English is more often than not is the primary language used in Zydeco with hints of the Creole heritage."
Abstract This paper explains that, although the German culture is not the only culture which has influenced the Texas of today, it is often considered one of the most significant influences historically as seem in the architectural landscape of the towns and cities, the art and music, Oktoberfest and the food of Texas. The author points out that the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston Texas is one example of the 19th century German art style in Texas and, in the southern and central parts of the state including in regions, such as Hill country and Medina County, there are many vernacular dwellings and churches fashioned in the style of traditional German homesteads. The paper relates that the influence of Germany on Texas culture is seen in the use of the accordion in Texan music and the popularity of the polka, which is largely German influenced.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Overview/History
Modern German Influence
Texas Art
Texas Architecture
Texas Music
Texas Culture/Ethnicity
Texas Philosophy
Historical Literature/Historiographical Literature
Conclusions
From the Paper "Many Germans in fact began arriving in Texas during 1848 when German Revolutions plagued Europe, and a majority of these early settlers formed close communal towns within the state. They looked forward to the opportunity of peace and a new life filled with opportunity and promise. The reasons that German immigrants flocked to the United States are not much different from the reasons many other settlers came to this country. They were looking for a better life for themselves and their families. In the process of immigrating and settling large parcels of formerly uninhabited land, they began to develop roots and inspire traditions that have become deeply ingrained in the culture of Texas today."
