Pistachio Dreamer Posted November 27, 2020 Share Posted November 27, 2020 Amongst the various things I dabble with (concertina making etc.) I also compose a little when I have the inspiration to. I've long been interested in adding to the concertina repertoire and think it could hold its own in an orchestral setting, and I know there are some concerti written already. With that in mind about 6 years ago I started sketching for a concertina concerto, and now have a first movement of sorts. If you are interested you can hear it in robot orchestra form here: https://pistachiodreamer.bandcamp.com/ The concertina sound is provided by the midi harmonica patch, which is probably the closest equivalent but I am aware it is a pale comparison to the concertina! It started with the opening power chords, which sit really well under the C/G anglo fingering. I definitely can't play it all yet, it gets pretty virtuosic towards the end, but is feasible in principal. I belong to a local amateur orchestra, as a cellist, so might try and give it a go in the future. Hopefully by the time I learn it we'll be rehearsing again. I'm well aware this won't be everyone's cup of tea, I'd describe my style as classical/post minimalist. I sometimes use folk elements, but there's not any folk influence to speak of in this particular piece. I'm interested in writing for different instruments for different movements, e.g. I might write the second movement for a G/D. I would be interested in any feedback, however critical, and your thoughts on the concertina in an orchestral setting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wunks Posted November 27, 2020 Share Posted November 27, 2020 There's something magical about the cello and concertina together. I'm mostly a folksy/dance musician but I had occasion recently to demonstrate my meager duet skills for a top notch professional cellist who happens to be my neighbor. She was enthralled by the sound and insisted we play and compose together. I have no classical training but she has me learning the Sarabande from Bach's fourth cello suite in Eminor, what a blast! Aside from the tone an advantage of the concertina for a player like me is the solid intonation. You can hit a wrong note but it's hard to hit the right note badly....😊 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pistachio Dreamer Posted November 27, 2020 Author Share Posted November 27, 2020 21 minutes ago, wunks said: There's something magical about the cello and concertina together. I'm mostly a folksy/dance musician but I had occasion recently to demonstrate my meager duet skills for a top notch professional cellist who happens to be my neighbor. She was enthralled by the sound and insisted we play and compose together. I have no classical training but she has me learning the Sarabande from Bach's fourth cello suite in Eminor, what a blast! Aside from the tone an advantage of the concertina for a player like me is the solid intonation. You can hit a wrong note but it's hard to hit the right note badly....😊 I agree with that. I'm sure you and your neighbour make a wonderful duo. I think classical/folk musicians have a lot to offer each other. That is also my favourite Bach suite, if it's the one in Eb major that you meant?! I think your neighbour might have transposed it to a more concertina friendly key perhaps? I would love to hear it on the concertina. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wunks Posted November 27, 2020 Share Posted November 27, 2020 Yes, of course, Eb major 😏 but no, it's not transposed. I play Jeffries duet and although the fingerings are unique for each key, none seem very difficult. My Wheatstone JD has a lovely low cello Bflat instead of the usual G which provides the trill at the end of the first part of the Sarabande! My other box is in old pitch close to a half step sharp so I've suggested Ruth tune down to D ( she has a carbon fiber spare) rather than up to C so we now have a wide range of harmonic and voicing possibilities....😃 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wunks Posted November 27, 2020 Share Posted November 27, 2020 Can't edit so what I meant was her C down to my Bb so my C becomes her D. Sorry. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pistachio Dreamer Posted November 28, 2020 Author Share Posted November 28, 2020 9 hours ago, wunks said: Can't edit so what I meant was her C down to my Bb so my C becomes her D. Sorry. Makes sense! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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