Accordion and Bandoneon are two instruments in the free-reed aerophone family. They’re bellow-drive instruments. This means they create sound by pushing and pulling air through reeds using bellows. However, accordion and bandoneon are not the same.
What is the difference between accordion and bandoneon? The accordion is larger, with separate sections for melody and accompaniment. In contrast, the bandoneon is smaller, with no clear division between melody and accompaniment.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is an Accordion
– Definition, Features
2. What is a Bandoneon
– Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Accordion and Bandoneon
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Accordion and Bandoneon
– Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Accordion and Bandoneon
– Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Key Terms
Accordion, Bandoneon
What is an Accordion
An accordion is a musical instrument with a boxy shape and a distinctive sound. It was originally developed in 19th-century Germany. The name “accordion” comes from the German word Akkordeon, which is related to “chord” or “harmony.” Accordion is a part of the “free-reed aerophone” family. This means it produces sound when air flows past a reed inside the instrument. This family also includes instruments like concertina, harmonica, and bandoneon.
An accordion has two main sections: the melody side (usually on the right) and the accompaniment side (usually on the left). When playing, the musician (an accordionist) presses keys or buttons on both sides. Generally, the right-hand side controls the melody, while the left-hand side handles the bass and harmony. This creates a full, rich sound from one instrument.
Figure 1: Piano Accordion (on top) and Button Accordion (on bottom)
To play, the accordionist moves the bellows by pushing or pulling them while pressing buttons or keys. This action opens small doors, called pallets, letting air flow over reeds made of brass or steel. These reeds vibrate and create sound. Special valves help control airflow and volume, which makes each note clear and strong.
What is a Bandoneon
A bandoneon is a special type of concertina with a deep connection to tango music in Argentina and Uruguay. Its name comes from Heinrich Band, a German instrument dealer, who originally designed it for church and folk music. Today, though, it’s mostly known for the passionate sound of tango.
A bandoneon is played by holding it between both hands and using bellows to push and pull air through metal reeds. Pressing buttons on each side routes the air through the reeds, which vibrate to create sound. Unlike most accordions, the bandoneon doesn’t have register switches, so it uses the same reeds for every note.
What makes a bandoneon unique is its sound. The left side, which has a wooden box, gives the notes a nasal, muted quality, while the right side sounds brighter and sharper. This contrast gives the bandoneon its rich, emotional tone. Skilled players use different bellows pressures and techniques to bring out a wide range of emotions.
Similarities Between Accordion and Bandoneon
- Both belong to the free-reed aerophone family.
- Both the accordion and bandoneon use bellows to push and pull air through reeds. This is how they create sound.
- These instruments are held between the hands, and the musician presses buttons or keys on each side to play notes.
Difference Between Accordion and Bandoneon
Definition
- Accordion is a box-shaped musical instrument with bellows, keys, and buttons, where the right hand side plays melodies and the left hand side provides bass and chords. Bandoneon, on the other hand, is a type of concertina popular in tango music, played by pushing and pulling bellows while pressing buttons.
Button Layout
- Accordions often have more organized button layouts, while bandoneon buttons are arranged in a less standardized pattern.
Melody–Accompaniment Duality
- An accordion is designed with a melody–accompaniment structure. The right hand typically plays the melody, and the left hand handles bass and chords for accompaniment. A bandoneon, however, does not have this separation.
Registers and Reed Sets
- Accordions usually have register switches to change the reed sets and sound quality. Bandoneons lack these switches and always use the same set of reeds for each note.
Size
- Generally, accordions are larger than bandoneons, which are also lighter.
Use
- The accordion is popular in various styles of European folk music, while the bandoneon originated in Germany but is most associated with tango music in Argentina and Uruguay.
FAQ: Accordion and Bandoneon
1. What is the difference between an accordion and a concertina?
The main difference is size and shape. An accordion is larger, with a piano or button keyboard, and has more buttons for bass and chords. A concertina is smaller and more compact, with buttons on both sides but no keyboard.
2. What are the two types of accordions?
The two main types of accordions are button accordions and piano accordions. Button accordions have buttons for both hands, while piano accordions have a small piano keyboard for the right hand and buttons for the left hand.
3. How many buttons does a bandoneon have?
A bandoneon usually has between 65 and 71 buttons in total, with different numbers on each side. For example, the Argentine bandoneon typically has 71 buttons – 38 on the right side and 33 on the left side.
4. What does bandoneon sound like?
The bandoneon has a deep, rich, and expressive sound. It can be both haunting and dramatic. It’s often described as having a melancholic, mournful tone, especially on the left side.
5. Why is it called an accordion?
The accordion is called so because its name comes from the German word Akkordeon, which is derived from Akkord, meaning “chord” or “harmony.” This indicates the instrument’s ability to produce both melody and harmony (accompaniment) together.
Reference:
1. “Accordion.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.
2. “Bandoneon.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.
Image Courtesy:
1. “A converter free-bass piano-accordion and a Russian bayan” By Necz0r – Henry Doktorski (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Early-bandonion” (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
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