Arranging tunes for organetto/diatonic button accordion

[NickC]

I started playing the organetto again. I'm finally starting to get the hang of it and want to explore it more. There are a lot of tunes in the repertoire that lay perfectly on the keyboard. However, I'd also like to play some more popular Italian/Neapolitan/Sicilian songs and there are a lot of sections that need to be altered or even omitted entirely. So, how would you guys deal with arranging tunes on a diatonic box? Will people notice that the melody is altered or that sections are missing? I'm thinking that on popular tunes like Finiculi Finicula, or Luna Mezza Mare, people might notice. I am considering moving up to an 8 bass box, but I really like the creativity of coming up with an arrangement on the 2 bass. Hmmmm.......

 

[Tom]

Ciao Nick!

Great news, glad you're picking up the organetto again!

I think that in general, people get into the fun rhythms of the organetto and not worry too much about specific melody or section arrangements. I say this because I have a friend here who plays button box many farmers markets a week and gets a fine response. No one can play with him because he never plays a song "straight". But the audience never notices.

As far as arrangements, I think traditionally organetto is an "aural tradition" where people make it up as they go along. Many of the Italians you see online play only a couple basic arrangements, providing a dance rhythm for participants. That's what I have done, just transcribing simple melodies to the key of G.

Anyway, good luck!!!!

 

[Ventura]

personally i think there is no need for altering the melody,
rather
become creative with your dexterity and learn to play it as written

from the other room, sight unseen, and generally speaking,
Italians should not be able to tell what type of "accordion" you are playing
so that when they walk into the room and see you they are simply, pleasantly,
surprised by what they see (and continue to hear)

i know this to be so with French people as well, since i play piano accordion
and they naturally expect to walk in and see the accordionist playing a
Chromatic, and while occasionally one will wonder how it is even possible..

the simple truth is, i learned to play French Musette by ear, and did not
know the accordions in the record player were not Piano Accordions,
so i just did it

i didn't know it was impossible

 

[Dingo40]

So, how would you guys deal with arranging tunes on a diatonic box? Will

Maybe studying this guy will provide some clues?

But the brother and young son are also fully engaged:

 

[NickC]

Great replies. Thanks.
@Ventura, the issue is that the 2 bass is in the key of G and D and doesn't have accidentals. It's a diatonic box so I don't have access to all notes. I was thinking about moving to a 2 or 3 row/8 bass to get more range, but I like the simplicity of the 2 bass.
@Tom, I've tried many times to get the feel of the organetto. It's finally starting to click. It is starting to feel more natural and I am loving it, but I have a long way to go. I want to get more tunes nailed down. It may be time for another 21 week challenge......
@Dingo40 I love his videos and his playing. He looks so comfortable with the instrument.

 

[NickC]

I decided to get a larger instrument. It will be 8 bass with two full rows of treble buttons. I'm keeping my 2 bass though because it is so much fun to play.