Sax and accordion – Alba region
The accordion came into existence in the early 19th century in western Europe via a number of progressions from the first bellowed free reed instruments. According to Bogdan Petriceicu Hasdeu early forms were found in 20 rural localities in Romania between 1884 and 1885 under the names of armonica, armonic, armoniu. In the early 20th century there are a number of recordings of songs and dances by musicians with names such as David Harmonistu, Lupu Harmonistru, Aristide, etc.
Taraf from Prahova, Muntenia
During the late 20th century the accordion dominated as the rhythmic harmony accompaniment in most regions’ village music, replacing the cobza, țambal and contra, being preferred due to its strong sound, but is now being replaced by the electronic keyboard.
Taraf – Topa, Transylvania
As a melody instrument, this is most common in the Muntenia region. The best known accordionists recorded by Electrecord such as Fărâmița Lambru, Marcel Budală, and Ilie Udilă have a very smooth, but crisp style. In the other regions accordionists are playing melodies, but this is rarer with the preference still with violin, clarinet, sax and taragot, except in Banat where the Serbian style of playing is a common.