Marcel Messervier’s interview

Interview conducted by Guy Bouchard on the Folklore program. He asks Marcel Messervier to talk about the first accordion he ever made. The interview was recorded in 1980.

Transcript:

Marcel Messervier (MM): At some point, I decided that I had to build an accordion. I was about eight years old at the time. My dad said: “Don’t be silly! Making accordions is hard work!” Of course, I couldn’t make a full-sized instrument, like I do now… with ten notes that sound like they do today. But exams were coming up at school, and I wanted to build a small accordion. You had to make a little something as a project at the end of the school year. What I really wanted… I was in love with music and with the accordion. So I said: “I know! I’ll build a small accordion. It’ll be a surprise.” [The host laughs.] So I went and asked my dad for a couple of small plates [strips of metal] that would make two sounds inside. I asked him: “Could you give me a small plate that will make noise? I’m going to build a small accordion for my school exams.” I made a small bellows that was about eight inches tall and four inches wide. I attached the two little plates. And I brought it to school.

Host: What did you make the bellows with?

MM: For the bellows I used thin cardboard. [The host laughs.] Of course, I didn’t have the little corners, the little details. I brought it to school and the inspector, Irénée Jouvin… I think he’s still alive, living in Quebec City. He must be 85 years old, quite old, but he’s still alive. So the inspector said: “Who made this, this little accordion? Could the youngster who built this please stand up.” So I stood up and he came over to see me with the little accordion. He said to me: “Young man, don’t even think about giving up.” He said: “Keep going. When you’re older, you’ll be able to make something really special!”

Promotional photograph of Marcel Messervier for the 1990 Carrefour mondial de l’accordéon.