The English Concertina

Invented in 1835, the concertina (a small accordion) has long been associated with a wide variety of music ranging from classical to popular and folk. Richard Carlin, music scholar and concertina virtuoso, has compiled this recording reflecting not only the types of music played on the instrument but national groups’ and individual performers’ styles across time. This collection of recordings spans the period from the 1920s to the 1970s.

The liner notes, written by Carlin, present the history of the concertina and information about the music and performers. Carlin recorded two other albums for Folkways (“In Came a Bumblebee” – FW08846, and ”The Poppy Seed” – FW 08847) and is the author of the book Worlds of Sound: The Story of Smithsonian Folkways.

Track Listing

101	The Flight of the Bumblebees/ Forgotten Dreams (medley)	The Fayre Four Sisters	03:38
102	Cavalleria Rusticana	Wilfred Pearce and Reuben Shaw	03:17
103	The History of the Crabb Concertina Firm	Harry Crabb	03:22
104	Czardas	Gregory Matusewitch	03:19
105	Santa Anna's Retreat / Greasy Coat (medley)	Richard Carlin	02:20
106	Russian Fantasy	The Fayre Four Sisters	03:06
201	Grieg's Morning	The Fayre Four Sisters	04:07
202	Chrysanthemum	The Boris Matusewitch Quartet	03:38
203	Waltz Impromptu	Alfred Edwards	03:03
204	Haste to the Wedding / Smash the Windows (medley)	Harry Minting and Richard Carlin	02:25
205	Speak Easy	The Fayre Four Sisters	02:35
206	Raggin' the Scales	The Fayre Four Sisters	02:22