Estonia sees growing interest in the garmoshka, the simplest type of accordion
The garmoshka, the simplest kind of accordion, is growing in popularity in Estonia. On Saturday, 70 players from across the country met at the Oisu community center to play together.
Interest in the garmoshka, the simplest type of accordion, is rising in Estonia. The instrument originated in Russia. On Saturday, 70 players from around the country gathered at the Oisu community center to make music together.
In Estonian the instrument is called karmoška, and it is also known as the garmon. Toomas Valk, from the Setomaa region, has played it for over 25 years and has been named the best instrumentalist in the Seto Kingdom. Two years ago he received the title of National Folk Musician. Valk says the garmoshka spread across Estonia through the Seto people.
He explains that accordions in general were hugely popular and pushed out other folk instruments in their time. The garmoshka's appeal, he says, is that it is easy to carry: it is small, loud and simple to play. Valk himself admits he cannot read music.
Self-taught players in demand
Many players have taught themselves or studied with an experienced musician. Vaike Pärn, from Oisu, joked that she has become an in-demand performer within just five years. She said her group has played in Tallinn, in the courtyard of the chancellor of justice's office, and gets invited to many places.
In Estonia the garmoshka is mostly played by women. One exception is 17-year-old Rasmus Mattias Hanga from Harju County, who said he saw relatives playing it while visiting them in the countryside and decided he wanted to learn too.
Workshops and a festival goal
Oisu Karmoška Day was organized by two virtuosos of the instrument, Piret Aus and Ruti Enn. Workshops were led by Valk, Siim Sarv, Kadri Lepasson and Rasmus Kadaja, while Ülo Saaremõts showed participants what is inside a garmoshka.
The longer-term aim of the gathering is a strong showing at the 2028 Folk Music Festival. Aus said players are working and learning so that they can begin practicing the festival pieces once the repertoire is released in the spring. She estimates there may be around 1,000 garmoshka players in Estonia.
