Anglo vs English Concertina: Understanding the Intricacies

Welcome to a detailed examination of the Anglo and English Concertinas, where their unique characteristics and histories are laid bare. This article is designed to clarify their intriguing idiosyncrasies and roles across various music genres. Rest assured, by the end, you will be well-versed in the subtle differences and will gain a newfound appreciation for these distinguished members of the squeezebox family.

The Anglo and English Concertinas differ mainly in how they produce notes and the types of music they're best suited for. English Concertinas create the same note on both push and pull, favoured for English Folk Music, while Anglo Concertinas produce different notes on push and pull, favoured in playing Irish Music. They were first crafted by Charles Wheatstone in 1829 and have remained popular.

There's so much more to talk about with Anglo and English Concertinas! Get ready to learn about the history, different styles, and playing techniques of these well-loved musical instruments.

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Introduction

Among musical instruments, the concertina, compact and often overlooked, has a special place. This instrument was created in 1829 by an English inventor named Charles Wheatstone, marking its presence in music history.

Remarkably, despite the passage of nearly two centuries since its creation, the concertina's fundamental design and method of play continue to be largely unchanged. This enduring quality stands as a testament to its timeless appeal. The concertina, a member of the squeezebox family, found its initial fanbase among the mariners of the 19th century. The instrument's convenient size and low weight made it an ideal companion for sailors on their lengthy journeys, offering a readily storable option for musical entertainment.

Today, the concertina remains popular among folk musicians, enhancing songs and shanties with its sound—a nod to its historical maritime use. The instrument is known for its versatility, functioning well for solo melodies, song accompaniments, and dance tunes. Whether it's the Anglo, English, or the less common Duet concertina, each type offers its own sound, suitable for a range of musical genres.

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Types of Concertinas

Anglo Concertina

The Anglo Concertina stands as one of the key variants of concertinas, setting itself apart due to its unique attribute of yielding different tones as the bellows are manipulated—distinct notes for both pushing and pulling movements. This bisonoric quality bestows upon it a vibrant and dynamic auditory expression that significantly adds to its appeal.

Two primary Anglo Concertina models exist—the 20 key and the 30 key. Although the 20 key model doesn't span as many octaves as its 30 key counterpart, it continues to be an excellent choice for novices who are entering the world of the concertina and seeking to acquaint themselves with its distinctive features and capabilities.

The G/C tuned Anglo Concertina, in particular, deserves a special mention as musicians have come to embrace it for interpreting traditional Irish music. With the 30 key configuration, this tuned concertina offers an exquisite harmony that truly embodies the essence of Irish melodies.

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For a more thorough history on this instrument, check out the book "The Anglo-German Concertina". By clicking this link, you'll be directed to its page on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Zxvent

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English Concertina

Unlike the Anglo Concertina, the English Concertina produces the same note irrespective of the bellows being pushed or pulled. This unisonoric feature lends an elegant continuity to the music it produces, thereby enabling a smooth flow of melodies.

Offered in both 30 key and 48 key models, it caters to varying styles and levels of expertise. Strikingly, the English Concertina is a chromatic instrument and can replicate all the semitonal changes in a musical piece, not unlike a grand piano or a piano accordion. This capability further enhances its versatility, making it effortlessly adapt to any key.

Among those who cherish the instrument, English Folk Music enthusiasts espouse a particular fondness for the English Concertina. Its sweet, melodious flow elevates the genre, rendering traditional tunes delightfully. In addition, an adventurous segment of players has successfully harnessed the English Concertina's versatility to play traditional Irish music, explores its adaptability in a refreshing way.

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For those interested in learning how to play the English Concertina, The English Concertina Absolute Beginners by Dave Mallinson is a good resource. By clicking this link, you will be directed to its page on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ZH9hmf

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Duet Concertina

In the concertina family, the Duet Concertina is the least common and hardest to find. Though rare, this instrument holds its own appeal.

While this article is chiefly centered on the comparison of Anglo and English Concertinas, the distinct features of the Duet Concertina undoubtedly deserve mention. By incorporating it into the discussion, we add an enriching facet to the overall dialogue about concertinas.

Unlike the Anglo and English versions, the Duet Concertina is special in its set up. It arranges keys for the right and left hands in a way that allows both separate and joint sound production. This means you can play different sounds for melody and harmony at the same time, a feature that gives the 'Duet' Concertina its name.

The paramount objective of the Duet Concertina is to enhance the playability of intricate musical compositions. As it imitates an authentic duet, this instrument adeptly generates two congruous tunes in tandem, evoking a captivating musical ambiance.

Undoubtedly, the Duet Concertina appeals to a selective cohort of musicians, who, captivated by its features, deem it alluring and deserving of attention. Its singular qualities supply a thrilling option for those on the hunt for fresh musical experiences. While its occurrence is scarce, the Duet Concertina enthralls a steadfast troupe of performers, ceaselessly experimenting with the instrument, unveiling its potential, and admiring its artistic merit.

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Comparison and Recommended Uses for English and Anglo Concertinas

When it comes to English and Anglo concertinas, several key distinctions help guide musicians in selecting the right instrument for their preferred music style. Examining their differences and recommended uses, the unique characteristics of these instruments pave the way to various creative avenues.

The English concertina is unisonoric, meaning it produces the same note regardless of whether the bellows are pushed or pulled. In comparison, the Anglo concertina is bisonoric; each key generates two different notes, one while pushing and another while pulling. With more notes at the player's disposal, the Anglo concertina excels in delivering highly ornamented tunes.

Aside from their note systems, the two concertinas cover common keys differently. The English system caters to all twelve chromatic keys, enabling effortless adaptation to any key signature. Conversely, the Anglo variant offers two or three primary keys, such as G, C, and sometimes A minor, making it ideal for genres with specific key preferences.

These attributes explain the popularity of Anglo concertinas in Irish traditional music, where lively, ornamented melodies are valued. Meanwhile, the English concertina is cherished by English folk music enthusiasts due to its unisonoric nature, which lends a smooth, flowing quality to the music.

Ultimately, each concertina type presents its unique challenges and advantages, inviting musicians to choose based on their creative aspirations, personal preferences, and the styles of music they love to explore.

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If you would like to be more familiar with the sound of the Anglo concertina, the Celtic music trio Talisk features the instrument in all their tunes in a modern fashion. By clicking this link, you will be directed to their album titled "Beyond": on Amazon: https://amzn.to/47Icxja

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Conclusion

Starting to play the concertina entails picking the correct type that aligns with your desired sound and style. The distinct characteristics of the English, Anglo, and Duet systems can guide your choice, leading to a personalized and gratifying learning experience.

Once you've chosen the ideal concertina, a wealth of resources is available to facilitate your mastery of the instrument. Comprehensive guides, online lessons, video tutorials, and the practical wisdom of experienced teachers can all augment your learning and proficiency.

As you become acquainted with the concertina, you join the ranks of a vibrant, diverse community of players. This connection to a broad network of enthusiasts offers opportunities for learning and camaraderie. Local clubs, online discussion groups, workshops, and public events such as concerts and folk festivals allow for exchange of knowledge, fostering a sense of togetherness and shared passion.

In conclusion, by choosing the right concertina system, using available resources, and engaging with the concertina community, you not only honor the history of this instrument but also express your musical voice.

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For a more thorough introduction to Celtic music, the NPR Curious Listener's Guide to Celtic Music furnishes an A-to-Z glossary of musical terminology, lists of essential CDs, a history of the art form and its profound influence on modern music, and profiles of notable musicians. Find out more through this link on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4gpW5rL