The ICA music library has existed for many years, but only recently has it been meticulously catalogued, and the music it contains made readily available to members. Almost all of the music in the library has been donated to the ICA, and in that respect it is a useful guide to what was popular with concertina players in the past. The music in the library also gives a clear indication that, in the past, members of the Association were capable of playing to a standard which is rarely heard these days. Not that all the music in the library is excessively difficult, but certainly some represents standards to which only a few will aspire. Much of the music, although by no means all, is for solo players, but we have more recently begun to add to the collection music for duos, small groups and concertina bands. An important task of the librarian is to add to the collection, seeking, as far as possible, newer pieces to include.
Members of the ICA have access to the library either through the web site or by contacting the librarian directly. At the present time the library will make available to members, on request, copies of music which is free of copyright. The originals, many of which are irreplaceable, are carefully retained in the music archive. A small charge will be made to cover the cost of copying the music and postage. Where music is in print, and readily available elsewhere, we should be able to direct you to a source.
We can also assist in identifying particular pieces or tunes. In general, there is little traditional music in the library, and this most probably reflects the fact that folk tunes are widely available in other collections. In fact, much of music in the library has been specifically adapted for the concertina, and in that respect is well suited for players to attempt. A vast amount of the music in the library was, in fact, set by Henry Stanley, a most prolific arranger who lived in the Birmingham area. Very little seems to be known about Henry Stanley now, but it is said that he would arrange music on request, determining in advance the capabilities of the player before doing so. His arrangements are for both Duet and English, on which instruments he was an accomplished player, and his neat script and tablature are a delight to the eye. Henry Stanley may well have been unique, and provided a valuable service to players well into the 1930s. Before that time, printed music for concertina was widely available, and some has found its way into the library. During the inter-war years, and particularly afterwards, all the music was arranged by hand. Players more used to neat printed scores may find a few manuscripts a little demanding. Interestingly, the computer revolution has meant that once more music is emerging in neat 'printed' format, and the world of the pen and manuscript paper is sliding into the past. The ICA remains anxious to add to the repository of music, so if you own, or are aware of, concertina music, either printed or in hand-written manuscript, do get in touch with us through the library.
The detailed listings of the music in the library is now available to visitors to the ICA web site and will give a much better idea of what is available to members. A search facility is available if you can't find what you are looking for. Do take careful note of the instrument for which a particular piece of music is arranged. Whilst Anglos will generally cope with music set for English, both would find the Duet arrangements problematic, being set in both bass and treble clef. A call or an e-mail to the librarian will always give you a much clearer idea of the level of difficulty in any arrangement. Finally, the library has contact with many individuals and organisations in several countries throughout the world, and if you would like to discuss any aspect of concertina music, playing, or the library, we would be delighted to hear from you.
The Librarian:
Dave Bissitt (librarian@concertina.org)