1783  Preserving historical and cultural heritage -- bandoneon

Date: Sat, 6 Sep 2003 12:46:15 -0300
From: Janis Kenyon <jantango@FEEDBACK.NET.AR>
Subject: Preserving historical and cultural heritage -- bandoneon

Yesterday's issue of La Nacion reported on efforts by the Commission for the
Preservation of Historic and Cultural Heritage of the city of Buenos Aires
to buy a collection of bandoneons. The Secretary of Culture was able to
acquire two instruments with the assistance of bandoneonistas Julio Pane and
Osvaldo Montes. There were 12 bandoneons in the auction--five of them were
Double A made in Germany by Alfred Arnold. The city purchased a Premier
Double A in perfect condition for 2100 pesos and a Sellado for 1400 pesos.
Montes explained that these bandoneons are unique with steel tongues which
produce the vibrations for its special sound. Gonner was the most important
manufacturer of bandoneons, but after WWII the secret formula for making the
steel tongues of the bandoneon was lost.

The two instruments will be used in the Conservatory of Manuel de Falla
where students will learn and perfect their playing.

These bandoneons will be exhibited on Monday at 7pm in Salon Dorado in the
Casa de Cultura, Avenida de Mayo 575, 1st floor. Osvaldo Montes and Anibal
Arias (guitar) will offer a free concert. Afterwards, a video entitled
"Travel inside the Bandoneon" will be shown which demonstrates how the
instrument works.

Pichi de Buenos Aires
www.totango.net/milongueros.html