Concertina small

The small concertina is a free-reed musical instrument, popular in folk and traditional music around the world.

About this subject

The concertina is a free-reed musical instrument, belonging to the accordion family but with a compact and distinctive design. Invented by Sir Charles Wheatstone in England around 1829, the original concertina featured a system of buttons arranged on a hexagonal box, producing sound through bellows movement that forces air past reeds. Unlike the accordion, notes are produced both when pushing and pulling the bellows, offering a unique expressive dynamic.

There are three main types of concertina: English, Anglo-German, and Duet. The English concertina is fully chromatic and each button produces the same note regardless of bellows direction, widely used in classical and British folk music. The Anglo-German concertina is diatonic, with each button producing different notes when pushing or pulling, making it popular in traditional Irish music and Brazilian forró. The Duet combines features of both, allowing melody in one hand and chords in the other.

In Brazil, the Anglo-German concertina is known as “gaita de botão” and is a cornerstone of forró pé-de-serra, alongside the zabumba and triangle. Musicians like Luiz Gonzaga immortalized its sound, though he more often used the accordion. The small concertina, with fewer buttons, is especially agile for fast melodies and ornamentation. Handcrafted construction is still valued, with traditional makers in Italy, Germany, and England.

Interestingly, the concertina was also used on polar expeditions in the 19th century, such as Ernest Shackleton's, due to its small size and durability. The instrument remains alive in folk music festivals worldwide, from Scottish ceilidhs to Brazilian choro circles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a concertina and an accordion?

A concertina is smaller, usually hexagonal, and each button can produce different notes when pushing or pulling the bellows (in Anglo models). An accordion has a keyboard or buttons that produce the same note regardless of bellows direction, along with preset bass buttons.

How is a concertina played?

The instrument is held with hands on the sides, fingers pressing buttons while arms move the bellows in and out. Sound production depends on the button pressed and the bellows direction, allowing rhythmic and melodic variations.

What are the main types of concertina?

The three main types are: the English (chromatic and unisonoric), the Anglo-German (diatonic and bisonoric), and the Duet (allowing separate melody and chord playing). Each has specific applications in different musical genres.