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Description
Concertina music centers around the concertina, a free-reed musical instrument in the bellows-driven family, distinct from the accordion by its smaller size and button layout parallel to the bellows movement. The genre encompasses a variety of styles depending on the specific type of instrument used: the 'English' concertina (chromatic and unisonoric) is often associated with Victorian parlor music and classical repertoire, while the 'Anglo' concertina (diatonic and bisonoric) is a staple of traditional Irish, English, and South African folk music.
Characterized by its bright, piercing, yet warm tone, concertina music often features intricate melodic ornamentation, rhythmic drive for dances like jigs and reels, and rich harmonic accompaniment in song traditions. It is frequently a solo instrument but also thrives in ensembles, particularly in céilí bands and folk groups.
Sources: Spotify, Wikipedia, Discogs, Rate Your Music, MusicBrainz, and other online sources
History
The history of the concertina begins in the early 19th century with two independent inventions. In 1829, Sir Charles Wheatstone in London patented the 'Symphonium', which evolved into the English concertina, designed for classical and parlor music. Around the same time in 1834, Carl Friedrich Uhlig in Germany developed the 'Konzertina', which became the precursor to the Anglo and Chemnitzer concertinas.
During the Victorian era, the English concertina was a respectable instrument for the upper and middle classes, with a repertoire of classical transcriptions and original compositions. Meanwhile, the German-style instruments, being cheaper and louder, found a home among the working class, sailors, and the Salvation Army, spreading across the British Empire and to the Americas.
In the 20th century, the instrument's popularity waned with the rise of the piano accordion and mass media. However, the Folk Revival of the 1960s and 70s sparked a massive resurgence, particularly in Ireland where the Anglo concertina became a core instrument in traditional sessions. Today, it enjoys a vibrant global community, central to genres ranging from Irish traditional music to South African Boeremusiek.
How to make a track in this genre
Composing for the concertina depends heavily on the system being used (English vs. Anglo). For the English Concertina, which plays the same note on the push and pull, composers can write fluid, chromatic melodies similar to the violin, utilizing its full range for complex classical or jazz passages. Chords can be played easily, but voice leading must account for the button layout split between two hands.
For the Anglo Concertina, widely used in folk, the bisonoric nature (different notes on push/pull) dictates the phrasing. Compositions often rely on the C and G diatonic rows, using the 'accidental' row for chromaticism. Rhythmic emphasis is created by the necessary bellows reversals, which naturally accentuates dance beats.
Ornamentation is key in traditional styles: use 'cuts' (grace notes above), 'taps' (grace notes below), and 'rolls' to articulate notes without stopping the bellows.
Texture: Often melody-driven with intermittent chordal accompaniment or drones on the lower buttons. The 'bellows shake' technique can add a tremolo effect for sustained intensity.
