From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
The bandoneon is an accordion-like instrument particularly popular in Argentina. It plays an essential role in the orquesta tipica, the tango orchestra.
You can see an online video clip of a bandoneon player performing in San Francisco at the Alcazar Theater (1999) in the show Tango For You. To do that visit...
http://www.argentine-tango.com... and click on the Bandoneon link under the picture at left.
Like the accordion, the bandoneon is played by holding the instrument between both hands and either pushing in or pulling out the instrument while simultaneously pressing one or more buttons with the fingers.
Unlike the accordion, half of the notes on the bandoneon can only be played by pushing the instrument in, and the other half by pulling it out. In order to play fast scales, arpeggios, and other melodies, the musician must not only press a certain sequence of buttons but must also reverse the direction of force many times per second. Because of this, the bandoneon is considered one of the more difficult instruments to master.
