The concertina, a small, hexagonal instrument that produces music through bellows and buttons, holds a fascinating place in the rich tapestry of folk music. Developed in the 19th century, this instrument may seem modest, but its role in the evolution of traditional music—particularly in Irish, English, and maritime cultures—has been nothing short of profound. From lively Irish jigs to solemn sea shanties, the concertina has brought life and energy to folk traditions across generations and geographical boundaries.
The Birth of the Concertina
The concertina was invented in the early 19th century, with two main types evolving over time: the English concertina and the Anglo concertina. Sir Charles Wheatstone is credited with inventing the English concertina in 1829, which has a chromatic scale and is more suited for classical music. Meanwhile, the Anglo concertina, developed in Germany in the mid-19th century, is diatonic and bisonoric, meaning it plays different notes depending on whether the bellows are pushed or pulled. This design made the Anglo concertina particularly well-suited for folk music, as its quick, punchy sound fit perfectly with the lively tempos and dance rhythms that are staples of folk traditions.
The Concertina in Irish Folk Music
One of the most significant cultural spaces where the concertina flourished is in Irish folk music. The Anglo concertina, with its rhythmic flexibility and bright tone, became especially popular in Ireland by the late 19th century. It fits naturally into Irish jigs, reels, and hornpipes, adding a dynamic layer to the fiddles, flutes, and uilleann pipes traditionally associated with Irish music.
Concertinas became particularly common in County Clare, where they were embraced by rural communities who found their relatively affordable price and portability appealing. Today, Clare is still known as a stronghold for traditional concertina players, with many contemporary Irish musicians carrying on the legacy of earlier generations.
Irish concertina music often showcases rapid ornamentation, known as “cuts” and “rolls,” which mimic the nuances of traditional instruments like the fiddle or pipes. The concertina’s ability to handle these complex rhythms and embellishments makes it an essential tool in any Irish folk musician’s repertoire. Players like Noel Hill and Tim Collins have elevated the instrument within traditional Irish music, keeping the art alive while also pushing it in innovative directions.
English Folk Traditions and the Concertina
In English folk music, the concertina occupies a similar but distinct role. The English concertina’s chromatic capabilities allowed it to be more versatile in English ballads and dance tunes. In the 19th century, it became a staple at country fairs and village dances, often accompanied by fiddles, melodeons, or accordions. The concertina’s mellow yet bright tone made it a favorite for morris dancing, a form of English folk dance that dates back to the 15th century.
Morris dancing involves lively stepping and choreographed movements, traditionally performed to the accompaniment of live music. The concertina’s capacity for both melody and rhythm allowed it to be a perfect companion for these performances. Morris dancers would rely on the concertina player to keep the pace and energy high, ensuring a spirited performance.
During the folk revival in the mid-20th century, the concertina saw a resurgence in England, with artists like John Kirkpatrick and Alf Edwards becoming known for their contributions to both traditional and contemporary folk music. The concertina found a home in English folk clubs, festivals, and informal jam sessions, symbolizing a return to grassroots music-making that embraced the simplicity and accessibility of the instrument.
The Concertina and Sea Shanties
The concertina is also famously linked to maritime culture, where it played a crucial role in the performance of sea shanties. Sea shanties were work songs sung by sailors to coordinate their labor aboard ships. The rhythmic nature of these songs made the concertina an ideal accompaniment, as its bisonoric design allowed it to match the rise and fall of the melody with the physical exertion of the crew.
Unlike the polished performances of concertinas in folk clubs, the use of the concertina aboard ships was rough and ready. Sailors valued the instrument for its portability and the fact that it could withstand the harsh conditions of life at sea better than more delicate instruments like violins or flutes.
Sea shanties often revolved around themes of adventure, loss, and camaraderie. The concertina added a poignant, haunting quality to the melodies, echoing the lonely expanses of the ocean and the longing for home. Even today, the instrument continues to be associated with maritime traditions, with groups like The Longest Johns and individuals like Tom Lewis incorporating the concertina into their performances of traditional and modern sea shanties.
A Global Influence
Beyond Ireland, England, and maritime cultures, the concertina has found a home in folk traditions around the world. In South Africa, for example, the instrument became associated with the music of the Boer people, who used the concertina in their folk dances and songs. In the United States, it was incorporated into early country music, with some regions using it in square dance performances.
While the concertina has never achieved the global fame of its cousin, the accordion, its role in various folk traditions remains significant. It embodies the spirit of community music-making, offering a way for people to connect through song and dance across cultural and geographical boundaries.
Conclusion: A Legacy in Folk Music
The concertina’s role in folk music across various traditions is a testament to its versatility, accessibility, and cultural significance. Whether it’s lifting the spirits of sailors on long voyages, accompanying dancers in rural England, or adding its distinctive sound to an Irish session, the concertina remains a beloved instrument in folk traditions around the world. Its simple design belies its ability to produce complex, emotive music that resonates with audiences of all ages.
From the windswept coastlines of Ireland to the bustling docks of English ports, the concertina has left an indelible mark on folk music—a mark that continues to be felt today.