Concertina small

The small concertina is a free-reed instrument, portable, popular in folk and traditional music.

About this subject

The small concertina is a free-reed musical instrument, similar to the accordion but more compact. Invented in the 19th century by English physicist Sir Charles Wheatstone, the concertina became popular in folk music, especially in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The small version is characterized by its reduced size, making it even more portable, ideal for traveling musicians or for accompaniment in groups.

There are two main concertina systems: English and Anglo-German. The small concertina typically follows the Anglo-German system, with buttons arranged in rows, each row producing notes of a diatonic scale. This arrangement allows the player to play simple melodies with ease. Unlike the accordion, the concertina produces sound both when opening and closing the bellows, requiring specific technique.

The small concertina is often associated with traditional Irish music, where it is used in folk sessions alongside fiddles, flutes, and uilleann pipes. In other parts of the world, including Brazil, it is less common but can be found in Celtic music groups and some experimental music contexts. Its sound is sweet and penetrating, capable of expressing both lively rhythms and melancholic melodies.

Interestingly, the term "concertina" has been used to designate a range of reed instruments, including miniaturized versions. The small concertina, sometimes called a "piccolo," has a range of about two octaves, depending on the number of buttons. Handcrafted construction is still valued, with leather bellows and manually tuned metal reeds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a concertina?

A concertina is a free-reed musical instrument with bellows, producing sound when opened and closed. It is smaller than an accordion and has buttons on the sides for notes.

What is the difference between a concertina and an accordion?

The concertina is more compact, has buttons on the sides instead of keys or front buttons, and produces sound both when opening and closing the bellows. The accordion typically has a keyboard or buttons for the right hand and buttons for the left.

What are the types of concertina?

The main types are the English concertina (chromatic and unisonoric) and the Anglo-German concertina (diatonic and bisonoric). The small concertina is usually of the Anglo-German type.