Symphonetta
The symphonetta is a harmonica derived from the chromatic bandoneon . The Symphonetta was developed around 1890 by Richard Scheller (1845–1929), Hamburg , and first produced by him and later produced solely by the Bandonion and Konzertinafabrik Ernst L. Arnold E. L. A. Carlsfeld, Germany, under an exclusive contract.
It is played while sitting on the legs or on a special table. In contrast to the bandoneon, the symphonetta is not alternating tones ; it is only played in print tone.
Scheller developed a so-called for the Symphonetta in 1898. Graduated keyboard (patent no. 110898) the notes are arranged in a horizontal row in intervals of minor thirds. The Symphonetta has five rows (108 keys) each on the melody side and on the bass side, arranged in four different colors (the colors should make it easier to learn). The three basic rows are flanked with one auxiliary row each above and below the basic rows.
Not only are the chord fingerings the same in all keys, all scales can also be performed with the same fingering, there are only three fingering schemes and is therefore superior to the piano keyboard in terms of both music theory and music practice. The range is about five octaves and goes from the B of the major octave to the F sharp 3 . The hands are free when playing the Symphonetta, i. H. you can play on both the right and the left side at the same time.
The position of the grip meant that the symphonetta players had to learn notes and not be able to fall back on the number system of the bandoneon players. However, an alternative attempt was made to create a number system for the Symphonetta, which was later discarded.
The fan device of the double bellows system allows great dynamics, as the hand allows a secure feeling of the player's expression. Scheller's blower device offers the direct, uninterrupted supply of air in one direction for all tongues, which allows the tone to be shaped dynamically in any way, sustained and articulated for as long as desired.
The tone of the Symphonetta is full and beautiful and, in contrast to bandoneon instruments, the Symphonetta has a homogeneous timbre.
The sound box, suspension, soundboard and bellows are made in the same way as the bandoneon, with the exception of a few parts. Thanks to the only compressed air system, the instrument has no leather covering on the reeds, which means that the reeds respond better.
Around 1920 there were many symphonettas in Germany, the instrument was extremely popular, so that, among other things, World Championships were played in Gothenburg in 1925. Today there are only a few symphonetta players left, the instrument has almost completely disappeared.
Web links
Individual evidence
- ↑ collection Oriwohl. Retrieved May 8, 2019 .