Lõõtsad

Lõõtsad, commonly known as accordions, are a family of musical instruments that produce sound by air flowing through reeds. The air is supplied by bellows, which are expanded and compressed by the player. Accordions typically have a keyboard or buttons on one side, controlling the melody, and a bass keyboard or buttons on the other side, providing chords and bass notes.

The sound is generated when the player presses keys or buttons, which open valves allowing air from the bellows to pass over tuned metal reeds. The vibration of these reeds creates the musical tones. Accordions come in various sizes and types, including the piano accordion, button accordion, and concertina, each with its own distinct layout and tonal characteristics.

Historically, the accordion has roots in the development of free-reed instruments in the early 19th century. It gained popularity across many musical genres, from folk and traditional music to classical and jazz. Its portability and versatility have made it a beloved instrument worldwide. In Estonia, lõõtsad hold a significant cultural place, often featured in folk music ensembles and traditional celebrations. The distinctive sound of the lõõts is an integral part of Estonian cultural heritage.