Concertina 六角手风琴

001Overview

The concertina is a free-reed musical instrument that is played by expanding and contracting a bellows while pressing buttons or keys. It is a member of the free-reed family, which also includes the accordion, harmonica, and melodica. The concertina is known for its compact size, distinctive timbre, and the expressive control it offers through bellows pressure. Unlike the accordion, which typically has a piano-style keyboard on the right hand, the concertina uses buttons arranged in various patterns, and it is held in front of the body with both hands.

The instrument was developed in England in the early 19th century, with credit often given to Sir Charles Wheatstone for patenting a design in 1829. However, similar instruments emerged independently in Germany around the same time. The concertina quickly gained popularity in various musical traditions, from classical and popular music in the 19th century to folk music in England, Ireland, and beyond. Its portability and loud, penetrating sound made it suitable for both solo performance and ensemble playing.

Today, the concertina exists in several distinct types, including the English concertina, the Anglo-German concertina, and the Duet concertina. Each has a different button layout and playing technique. Despite the rise of electronic instruments, the concertina remains a beloved instrument in folk and traditional music circles, particularly in Irish, English, and South African music. Its unique voice and mechanical ingenuity continue to fascinate musicians and audiences alike.

002Construction and materials

A concertina consists of several key components: a pair of hexagonal (or sometimes octagonal) end plates, a central bellows, and a set of reeds. The end plates are traditionally made of wood, such as mahogany, rosewood, or ebony, though modern instruments may use synthetic materials. These plates house the buttons or keys and the reed chambers. The bellows are typically made of leather, paper, and cloth, folded in a series of pleats that allow the instrument to expand and contract. The bellows are often reinforced with metal corners to prevent wear.

The reeds are the heart of the concertina's sound. They are made of metal, usually steel or brass, and are mounted on a reed frame. When air flows over the reed, it vibrates and produces sound. The reeds are set into wooden or metal reed blocks inside the instrument. The quality of the reeds and their precise adjustment (known as voicing) greatly affect the instrument's tone and responsiveness. The buttons are typically made of bone, metal, or plastic, and they operate a lever mechanism that opens and closes valves to direct air to the reeds.

The construction of a concertina is highly specialized, requiring skilled craftsmanship. The airtightness of the bellows and the precision of the action are critical to the instrument's performance. Many concertinas are handcrafted, and the materials and methods can vary widely depending on the maker and the intended musical style. For example, instruments intended for Irish traditional music often have a bright, punchy tone, while those for English classical music may be designed for a more mellow, balanced sound.

003How it is played

The concertina is played by holding the instrument between the two hands, with the thumbs or fingers inserted into straps or wrist loops. The player operates the buttons with the fingertips while pushing and pulling the bellows with both arms. The direction of the bellows affects the airflow and, on some types of concertina, determines which note is produced. This makes the concertina a dynamic instrument that requires coordination between the hands and arms.

There are three main types of concertina, each with a different playing technique. The English concertina has buttons arranged in a chromatic pattern, and each button produces the same note regardless of bellows direction. This makes it fully chromatic and suitable for melody and harmony. The Anglo-German concertina, often simply called the Anglo, has buttons arranged in two rows (sometimes more), and each button produces a different note on the push and the pull. This diatonic layout is common in folk music, as it allows for easy playing in certain keys and a rhythmic, bouncy style. The Duet concertina has a layout where the right hand plays the melody and the left hand plays the accompaniment, similar to a piano accordion.

Playing the concertina requires independent control of the bellows and the buttons. Beginners often start by learning simple tunes and scales, focusing on smooth bellows changes and clear articulation. Advanced players can achieve a wide range of expression, including vibrato, dynamics, and chordal accompaniment. The instrument's compact size makes it easy to carry, but its intricate button layout can take time to master.

004Sound and tuning

The concertina produces a bright, reedy sound that is often described as sweet and penetrating. Its timbre is distinct from that of the accordion, partly due to the smaller reed chambers and the directness of the airflow. The sound can be soft and melodic or loud and assertive, depending on how the bellows are used. Because the reeds are set in individual chambers, the concertina has a clear, focused tone that can cut through other instruments in a session.

The instrument is typically tuned to equal temperament, although some traditional players prefer historical tunings such as just intonation for certain keys. The English concertina is fully chromatic, meaning it can play in any key. The Anglo-German concertina is diatonic, so it is usually limited to a few keys, commonly C/G or G/D, though some models have additional rows to expand the range. The Duet concertina is also chromatic and offers a wide range. The pitch range varies by type: the English concertina often spans from the G below middle C to several octaves above, while the Anglo typically has a more limited range.

Tuning a concertina is a delicate process. The reeds are tuned by carefully filing or adding metal to the reed tongue. This is usually done by a specialist, as improper tuning can damage the reeds. The bellows also affect the sound: a well-made bellows provides steady air pressure, which helps maintain pitch and allows for expressive dynamics. The materials of the end plates and the design of the reed chambers also influence the tone, with wooden ends generally producing a warmer sound than metal ends.

005History and origins

The concertina was invented in the early 19th century. The English physicist and inventor Sir Charles Wheatstone is often credited with its development, and he patented a design in 1829. Wheatstone's instrument was initially called a "symphonium" and later a "concertina." Around the same time, in Germany, Carl Friedrich Uhlig developed a similar instrument, the "Konzertina," which had a different button layout. These two branches led to the English and Anglo-German concertina traditions.

The concertina quickly spread across Europe and beyond. In the 19th century, it became popular in parlors, music halls, and churches. It was used by street musicians, sailors, and missionaries. In England, the English concertina was played in classical and popular music, while the Anglo-German concertina became a staple in folk music. In Ireland, the concertina was adopted into traditional music, where it remains a key instrument today. In South Africa, the Anglo-German concertina became central to Boeremusiek and other folk styles.

The instrument's popularity waned in the early 20th century with the rise of the accordion and recorded music, but it experienced a revival in the mid-20th century, particularly in the folk music revival. Today, the concertina is played worldwide, with vibrant communities in Ireland, England, the United States, and South Africa. Its history reflects a blend of industrial innovation and cultural adaptation, making it a fascinating subject for instrument enthusiasts.

006Role in traditional and modern music

In traditional music, the concertina holds a prominent place, especially in Irish and English folk music. In Ireland, the Anglo-German concertina is particularly popular for playing jigs, reels, and hornpipes. Its bright tone and rhythmic capabilities make it well-suited for dance tunes. Irish players often use ornamentation such as rolls, cuts, and triplets to decorate melodies. The concertina is also played in English morris dancing and in sea shanties. In South Africa, the concertina is a key instrument in Boeremusiek, a genre of Afrikaans folk music, where it is often played alongside the guitar and accordion.

In modern music, the concertina has found its way into various genres, including contemporary folk, rock, and film scores. It is sometimes used for its nostalgic or rustic character. For example, the band The Decemberists has used the concertina in their indie folk arrangements. In classical music, the English concertina has been used by composers such as Percy Grainger, who wrote pieces featuring the instrument. Its unique sound can add texture to orchestral or chamber music.

The concertina also has a presence in education and community music. Many folk music schools offer lessons, and there are festivals dedicated to the instrument. Its portability and relatively accessible learning curve for simple tunes make it a favorite among amateur musicians. While it may not be as ubiquitous as the guitar or piano, the concertina continues to thrive in niche musical communities, preserving its heritage while adapting to new musical contexts.

007Frequently asked questions

Q: What is the difference between a concertina and an accordion? A: The concertina and accordion are both free-reed instruments with bellows, but they differ in shape, button layout, and playing technique. The concertina is typically hexagonal and held with both hands, with buttons on both ends. The accordion is usually rectangular and has a piano-style keyboard on the right hand and bass buttons on the left. The concertina is generally smaller and has a different tone.

Q: Is the concertina difficult to learn? A: The difficulty depends on the type. The Anglo-German concertina can be relatively easy to start for simple folk tunes, as it is diatonic and intuitive in certain keys. The English concertina is fully chromatic but requires learning a more complex button layout. Like any instrument, regular practice is needed to become proficient.

Q: Can the concertina play in any key? A: The English and Duet concertinas are fully chromatic and can play in any key. The Anglo-German concertina is primarily diatonic, so it is limited to a few keys unless it has additional rows. Some Anglo models are available in different keys, such as C/G or G/D, to suit different musical styles.