The concertina is a small but powerful free-reed instrument that has carved out a unique place in the musical world. Often mistaken for its cousin, the accordion, the concertina stands out with its hexagonal shape, sweet and agile tone, and historical depth. This article explores everything you need to know about the concertina, from its origins and mechanics to its place in different music genres and how to select the right one for your needs. Whether you’re a curious beginner or an experienced musician, understanding this remarkable instrument will deepen your appreciation for its charm and capability.
What Is a Concertina?
A concertina is a free-reed musical instrument, meaning it produces sound as air flows past vibrating reeds inside the instrument. It belongs to the same family as the accordion and the harmonium. Unlike the piano-style keyboard of an accordion, the concertina uses buttons arranged on either end of the instrument. These buttons control airflow to the reeds and determine the pitch of the notes played. Concertinas are often hexagonal or octagonal in shape and played by compressing and expanding the bellows while pressing the buttons to produce different tones.
Concertinas are typically bisonoric, meaning each button produces two different notes—one when the bellows are pushed and another when they are pulled. However, some types are unisonoric, producing the same note regardless of the bellows’ direction. This characteristic makes concertinas unique and requires a different approach to playing compared to other instruments in its family.
History and Origins of the Concertina
The concertina was invented in the early 19th century, with two primary branches emerging in England and Germany. Sir Charles Wheatstone patented the English concertina in 1829, designed to play chromatic scales easily and intended for classical music performance. Around the same time, Carl Friedrich Uhlig developed the German concertina, which evolved into various regional styles, including the popular Anglo concertina.
The concertina quickly gained popularity in England and Ireland, especially among folk musicians and seafarers. It was portable, easy to carry on voyages, and capable of both melody and accompaniment, making it an ideal instrument for solitary or social settings. During the Victorian era, it was even featured in parlor music, church performances, and military bands.
Throughout the 20th century, the concertina’s popularity waned with the rise of more modern instruments, but it has seen a revival in folk and traditional music circles. Today, it is celebrated for its distinct sound and historical significance, especially in Irish, English, and South African music traditions.
Structure and Design of the Concertina
The physical structure of the concertina distinguishes it from other instruments in the free-reed family. Typically hexagonal or octagonal in shape, the concertina has buttons on both ends and a bellows in the middle. The buttons are pressed with the fingers while the bellows are expanded or compressed to move air across the reeds inside the instrument.
There are three main types of concertinas:
English Concertina: Chromatic and unisonoric. Buttons are arranged alternately between the two sides of the instrument. Ideal for classical and melodic lines.
Anglo Concertina: Bisonoric with a diatonic scale layout, similar to a harmonica. Best suited for folk and dance music.
Duet Concertina: Unisonoric and designed for playing melody and harmony simultaneously. Used for more complex arrangements.
The materials used in concertina construction vary by model and quality. Entry-level models may use plastic or synthetic bellows and reeds, while professional models use leather bellows, wooden ends (such as rosewood or mahogany), and high-grade steel reeds for enhanced tone and durability. The action mechanism (lever and spring system under each button) also affects the response and playability.
How Does a Concertina Sound?
The concertina produces a bright, reedy, and somewhat piercing tone that can cut through an ensemble or hold its own in a solo performance. The timbre varies depending on the type of concertina, the materials used, and the quality of reeds and construction. English concertinas typically have a more refined and balanced tone, while Anglo concertinas can sound more rhythmic and lively, making them suitable for dance music.
The sound is generated by air passing over metal reeds inside the instrument. The player’s control of the bellows allows for expressive dynamics—soft, subtle tones or louder, more assertive phrases. Articulation can be achieved through quick bellows changes, button tapping, and finger dexterity, adding to the musical expressiveness.
In traditional settings, the concertina often mimics the human voice with its phrasing and ornamentation, especially in Irish traditional music where players use rolls, cuts, and grace notes to emulate vocal styles.
How to Play the Concertina
Playing the concertina involves a combination of button pressing and bellows control. The musician holds the instrument between both hands, with straps to secure it. Each hand accesses a series of buttons that activate reeds through small levers. The player opens and closes the bellows to produce airflow, controlling volume and expression.
For beginners, the learning curve depends on the type of concertina:
English Concertina: Easier for reading and playing classical music because of the chromatic layout and consistent note assignment.
Anglo Concertina: Requires more adaptation due to bisonoric nature, but is well-suited for folk tunes and rhythmic playing.
Duet Concertina: Offers complex harmony and melody combinations, but is more challenging due to the larger number of buttons.
Beginners start by learning basic scales, bellows control, and finger coordination. Intermediate players move on to chord patterns, dynamics, and ornamentation techniques. Advanced techniques include cross-row fingering, bellows phrasing, and simultaneous melody-harmony playing.
Concertina in Music Genres
The concertina plays a prominent role in a variety of music genres across different cultures. In Irish traditional music, the Anglo concertina is favored for its rhythmic agility and ability to ornament melodies. Renowned for its lively jigs, reels, and hornpipes, the concertina adds both drive and lyrical expression.
In English folk music, the concertina often accompanies singing or dance tunes, providing melodic lines and simple harmonies. Morris dance music often features the concertina due to its portability and festive tone.
In South African Boer music, the concertina—especially the German and Anglo types—is central to the sound of traditional tunes, known as “boeremusiek.” Players use it for both melodic and rhythmic support.
In classical music, the English concertina has been used in chamber compositions and solo performances, thanks to its chromatic capabilities and expressive tone.
Other genres like sea shanties, American folk, and even some modern experimental music have incorporated the concertina for its unique timbre and nostalgic qualities.
Notable Concertina Players
Several musicians have achieved acclaim through their concertina mastery. One of the most notable is Noel Hill, an Irish concertina virtuoso known for his revolutionary approach to Anglo concertina playing in Irish traditional music. His album “The Irish Concertina” is widely regarded as a milestone recording.
Alistair Anderson is a master of the English concertina and a leading figure in the English folk revival. His intricate playing style and commitment to the tradition have inspired generations of players.
In South Africa, Nico Carstens popularized the concertina through his performances and recordings in the boeremusiek style. His work introduced the instrument to a wide audience and showcased its musical flexibility.
Classical performers like Giulio Regondi, a 19th-century virtuoso, elevated the concertina in art music. Regondi composed technically demanding pieces that demonstrated the full potential of the English concertina.
Choosing a Concertina: What to Consider
When selecting a concertina, several factors should guide your decision, including your skill level, musical goals, and budget. Understanding the key features and differences between models will help you choose the instrument that suits your needs.
Beginner vs. Professional Models
Beginner models are generally more affordable, often made with synthetic materials and featuring fewer buttons (typically 20-button Anglo concertinas). They are ideal for initial learning and basic folk tunes. However, the sound quality and responsiveness may be limited.
Professional models use higher-quality materials, such as leather bellows, hand-finished reeds, and hardwood ends. They offer improved tone, durability, and advanced features like a larger range (30 or more buttons), better action, and customizable tuning.
Button Types and Reeds
Choose between:
Riveted action: Preferred in high-end instruments for smooth, responsive play.
Hooked action: Common in student models; less durable but cost-effective.
Reeds come in accordion-style or traditional concertina reeds, with the latter offering better sound quality but higher cost.
Recommended Brands and Models
Concertina Connection: Offers affordable beginner models like the Rochelle (Anglo) and Jackie (English).
Morse & Co. (Button Box): Known for mid-range to professional hybrid concertinas.
Wheatstone and Jeffries: Historical brands producing top-tier vintage and new concertinas.
Suttner Concertinas: Custom-built high-end instruments favored by professional Irish musicians.
Consider factors such as weight, hand straps, number of bellows folds (more folds allow greater dynamic range), and tuning (concert pitch vs. traditional pitch).
Conclusion
The concertina is a unique and expressive instrument with a rich history and a diverse musical presence. From its 19th-century invention to its modern-day role in folk and classical music, the concertina continues to captivate players and audiences alike. Understanding its types, construction, sound, and playing techniques is key to unlocking its potential.
Whether you’re just starting your musical journey or looking to expand your instrumental repertoire, the concertina offers both challenge and reward. Choosing the right model, practicing diligently, and exploring its place in different genres can lead to a deeply fulfilling experience. As this guide has shown, the concertina is far more than a curiosity—it’s a serious instrument with a lasting legacy.
