BALLAD OF AN UNSUNG HERO
USA 1984 | 27 Min. | BetaSP, OF

Polkas are played in many countries all over the world and the diatonic accordeon is its classical instrument. Where does this music come from and how did it change during this trail? As a cultural comparison the Dutch anthropologist R. Boonzajer looks at the different social practices of the polka in Austria and South Texas. Polka being a ‚national’ music in Austria heard and played by everyone, in South Texas it is performed and heard by Mexican-Americans and farm workers. Today there are several Discos at San Antonio where you can hear live performances of »Conjunto« groups and the polka is recognized as a North American art form along with blues, zydeco and cajun music.
In conversations with musicians and managers we understand the importance of ‚conjunto music’ for the Mexican-American identity.