Our annual neighborhood music festival is a great source of convivial entertainment. It’s also a chance to be surprised and impressed by the hidden talents of my neighbors. Pianists, guitarists, and vocalists abound, along with the occasional violinist and trombone player. However, Gerhard is the only accordion player, and it’s a hoot to hear him play everything from polka to pop, and classical to country. I have yet to hear him serve up a foot-stomping Cajun jig, but maybe that’s on the playlist for next year?
Ask Gerhard about his love of the accordion, and you hear quite a story. We’ve all heard the one about the guy who drops out of medical school to pursue his love of music. But have you heard about the guy who gave up his budding accordion career to become an internist? A central figure in this story is the instrument itself–named after Italian Giovanni Gola, who was hired to lead the Hohner accordion department in 1956, setting new standards for high-end instruments.
The name Gola signifies the passion of playing the accordion. When nothing else counts but the realization of musical potential, this truly great instrument combines pristine sound quality with one’s own powers of imagination. The Gola represents the penultimate level of accordion building worldwide, and is the instrument of choice for only the most discerning soloists, including numerous World Champions, whether on stage or in the recording studio.
A Gola is not found lying around in a music store; it is constructed solely in accordance with the wishes and unique requirements of the customer…Every Gola ordered around the world is built by a small team of master craftsmen who work exclusively on this instrument.
When they say “constructed solely in accordance with the wishes of the customer,” they mean it. Unless you wish to get it quickly. Gerhard ordered his Gola at age 18, and received it 10 years later at age 28.
Today, I had the pleasure of photographing this lovely instrument. To my untrained eye, it looks rather understated in its design, with only a very small Gola emblem below the bass keys to signify that this instrument might be something special.