Concertina small

The small concertina is a free-reed instrument with a hexagonal shape, widely used in folk and traditional music around the world.

About this subject

The concertina is a free-reed musical instrument invented by Sir Charles Wheatstone in 1829 in England. Unlike the accordion, it has buttons on both sides that move parallel to the bellows, and sound is produced by air flow over metal reeds. There are two main systems: the English, where each button produces the same note when pushing or pulling, and the Anglo-German, which produces different notes in each direction, facilitating chords and rhythms.

This instrument gained popularity in Irish, English, and South African folk music, and is also used in Brazilian choro and Argentine tango, albeit to a lesser extent. The small concertina, often with fewer buttons and a compact size, is ideal for beginners or those seeking portability. In folk festivals, it is common in dance bands and live music sessions.

Interestingly, the concertina was one of the first instruments to be mass-produced with interchangeable parts, contributing to the musical Industrial Revolution. Although it lost ground to the accordion in the 20th century, it maintains a dedicated community of builders and players, especially in the UK and Ireland. The tilt-shift effect in the image is a photographic technique that does not alter the instrument's characteristics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a concertina?

A concertina is a free-reed musical instrument with bellows and side buttons. It was invented in England in 1829 and is mainly used in folk music.

What is the difference between a concertina and an accordion?

A concertina has buttons that move parallel to the bellows, while an accordion has keys or buttons perpendicular to the bellows. The concertina's hexagonal shape also distinguishes it.

Where is the concertina most used?

The concertina is popular in Irish, English, and South African folk music. It also appears in genres like Brazilian choro and Argentine tango.