Russian Language Exported: BAYAN
The Russian button accordion, known throughout the world.
Bayan (English, ‘bayan’, German ‘Bayan’, French ‘bayan’) is a Russian version of the accordion. The instrument was named after the ancient Russian bard and storyteller Boyan. It’s believed that this instrument was invented by Pyotr Sterligov, a master craftsman from St. Petersburg, for the musician Orlansky‑Titarenko in 1907. However, as early as the late 19th century, accordions made in Russia were already being called ‘bayans’. The main difference between the ‘bayan’ and the accordion is the right‑hand keyboard: the ‘bayan’ has a button keyboard (3–5 rows), while the accordion has a piano‑style keyboard. Thanks to its unique design and construction, the instrument has gained worldwide fame.
