Advance Praise for The Anglo-German Concertina: A Social History
The definitive biography of the Anglo concertina. Simply a must read for anyone interested in the history of any type of concertina . The period illustrations alone are worth the price of the book!
- Prof. Allan Atlas, City University of New York Graduate Center, and Editor of Papers of the International Concertina Association
Obviously building on both on a passion for, and a rich knowledge of his subject, Dan Worrall has put in extensive, careful work to produce a wonderful pair of volumes, crammed with quotes from original sources as well as photos, diagrams and other illustrations. In telling the story of the Anglo concertina (and of both its better-known and its anonymous players world-wide) since the instrument's origins, he has also put forward well- argued theories about the music produced, and how it was played in earlier times. A fascinating read which fills many gaps (in MY knowledge), and gives much to think about - and even transcriptions to play! Clear, readable and authoritative, but at the same time beautifully free of over-academic language.
- Harry Scurfield, expert Anglo player and teacher, as well as founding member of the Cajun band Bayou Gumbo; Yorkshire, England
A global tour de force in music historiography.
- Dr. Gearóid Ó hAllmhuráin, Johnson Chair in Québec and Canadian Irish Studies Concordia University Montréal
Dan Worrall has not only told the story of the Anglo-German concertina but also captured the spirit of a bygone musical era. His two-volume work will prove an indispensable reference work for this little-understood instrument that has defiantly refused to be silenced by time. An excellent study, refreshing to read.
- Warren Fahey, cultural historian and host of the Australian Folklore Unit, Sydney, Australia.
I am sure a lot of Boeremusiek enthusiasts in South Africa will give this book a prominent place in their bookshelf. It is only a man who loves a concertina dearly that can write such a book!
- Kalie de Jager, founding member of the Boeremusiekgilde, Pretoria, South Africa
In these two well-researched and enjoyable volumes Dan Worrall brings us a fascinating range of history, anecdote, social background, contemporary illustrations and musical examples of the phenomenal popularity, from the 1850s to early 1920s, of the cheerful German and Anglo-German concertina. The dedicated and thorough research needed could only come from a deep knowledge of and love for this instrument that was so important to social life in the 19th century’s expanding, largely immigrant ... and mixed ... societies, such as Australia's in the Gold Rush era.
- Bob Bolton, Vice-President and Editor, Bush Music Club of Sydney, Australia
It truly is a social history, containing a vast assortment of photographs, newspaper advertisements, quotes, and commentaries dating from the 19th century heyday of the Anglo-German concertina to today. But this two-volume treatise is so much more. If organized alphabetically, it could have been subtitled as an Anglo concertina encyclopedia. Readers will find answers to proverbial questions about the who, when, and what of Anglo-German concertina invention and development. And readers will find an unexpected array of diverse topics such as Anglo players in the Salvation Army, on the sea, in Mormon wagon trains, and even in the Arctic. There is abundant information about concertina players, professional and amateur, past and present, around the world.
Anglo players might view the last chapter (Chapter 10) as a bonus, given that a cursory treatment of styles and techniques of the old-time players could have sufficed. Instead, the author applied his prowess as a ‘scribe’ [amply demonstrated in his earlier The Anglo-Concertina Music of William Kimber (English Folk Dance and Song Society, 2005)], and included transcriptions of sound recordings of twenty-eight tunes from British, Irish, Australian, and South African players. Inexpensive at thrice the price, this book receives a ‘buy’ recommendation of the highest order.
- Randall C. Merris, author of Instruction Manuals for the English, Anglo, and Duet Concertina: An Annotated Bibliography (2002) and other articles on concertina history
This book has exceeded all my expectations. I can hardly imagine that anybody who is interested in concertina music would miss the opportunity to acquire this invaluable publication.
- Wilhelm Schultz, author of the book Die Ontstaan en Ontwikkeling van Boeremusiek (The Beginnings and Evolution of Boer Music: 2001, Pretoria, South Africa)
Reviews of The Anglo Concertina Music of William Kimber (2005, English Folk Dance and Song Society, London)
This is an important study of an important figure in traditional music....congratulations all round. - Andy Turner, Musical Traditions (www.mustrad.org) Feb. 10, 2006
Congratulations to Dan Worrall on this labour of love, and to the EFDSS for publishing a worthy companion to "Absolutely Classic: the Music of William Kimber," the CD of Kimber's music which the Society issued in 1999. - Martin Niall, Folk London, February 2006
Worrall has made Kimber's historic playing available to all in black and white...It is a pleasure to read, and the music is a pleasure to play. - Jody Kruskal, Papers of the International Concertina Association, 2006
I like the idea of Worrall busily transcribing Kimber on a farm in Texas, while somewhere in rural England someone is trying to sort out hust how Blind Lemon Jefferson gets those effects! Musical styles no longer belong to people in geographical localities - they belong to communities of practicioners that sometimes span the world. - Vic Gammon, English Dance and Song, Spring 2006
Review of The Beginnings of the Concertina in Ireland, 1834-1930 (2007, The Concertina Library, www.concertina.com)
Worrall's discoveries reveal a picaresque back story of the concertina as it was played in Ireland, an instrument long consigned to the shadows...[His] online account of this period paints a vivid picture of political interference, social upheaval and musical spirit, each vying for position amid communities riven by poverty. It's a spellbinding read. Worrall does a fine job in luring the reader into this world where tunes were played, shared, and sometimes lost in the turmoil of the period. - Siobhan Long, The Irish Times, Dublin, January 19, 2008
Review of The Concertina at Sea (2008, www.angloconcertina.org)
Dan Worrall's latest paper examining the widely-held perception that the instrument has a strong connection with sailors is required reading for those of us with an interest in sea songs and music! - Gavin Atkin, In the Boatshed, www.intheboatshed.net, August 11, 2008