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Stradella, a picturesque town in Oltrepò Pavese, nestled among the hills and vineyards of Lombardy, boasts a fascinating history rich in traditions, inextricably linked to a musical instrument that has marked entire generations: the accordion. This small town, known as the ‘accordion capital’, has seen an industry flourish that has reached every corner of the world, bringing with it the unique and unmistakable sound of this instrument.
The Roots of a Tradition
The history of the accordion in Stradella began in 1876, when Mariano Dallapé, an ingenious craftsman, founded his accordion factory. Dallapé, originally from Trento, moved to Stradella and began building accordions following the principles of traditional craftsmanship but with a focus on technical innovation. His factory did not take long to earn a reputation for excellence, thanks to the quality of the materials used and the precision of the craftsmanship.
The Golden Age of Dallapè
In the following years, the Dallapè factory became the centre of accordion production in Italy. During the early 20th century, Dallapè employed over 300 people, transforming Stradella into a true accordion city. The accordions produced were made from precious wood, silk, mother-of-pearl and mastic, and each piece was a unique work of art. Production peaked at over 300 accordions per month, destined not only for the Italian but also the international market.
A Global Industry
Dallapè accordions were in demand all over the world, from Paris to Buenos Aires, from Hong Kong to the Vatican. The Liturgica, one of the rarest and most precious of Dallapè‘s accordions, was donated to Pope Pius XII and is an example of the craftsmanship and aesthetic beauty of Stradale accordions. Each accordion was packed in wooden cases, wrapped in precious silks, ready to bring Italian music to living rooms and ballrooms all over the world.
Decline and Rebirth
Despite its glorious history, accordion production in Stradella began to decline after World War II. The new generations were less interested in learning the art of accordion making, preferring other trades or fields of work. In 2010, the historic Dallapè factory closed its doors for good, marking the end of an era. However, the town of Stradella has not forgotten its tradition and has tried to preserve this priceless cultural heritage.
The Municipal Accordion Museum
Inaugurated in 1999, the Mariano Dallapè Accordion Museum houses a vast collection of accordions, working instruments, machinery and memorabilia that tell the story of this industry. The museum is a living testimony to the mastery and passion that characterised the production of accordions in Stradella. Every visitor has the opportunity to take a plunge into the past, among mother-of-pearl keyboards, trunks and fabrics, reliving the golden age of the Dallapè factory.
Stradella, with its rich history and tradition linked to the accordion, represents a unique cultural heritage in Italy. The town has been able to enhance and preserve the memory of an industry that has profoundly marked its identity. The accordion, a symbol of creativity, craftsmanship and musical passion, continues to be the beating heart of Stradella, uniting different generations and cultures in a timeless musical embrace.
