Hurdy-gurdy

0 Joueur de vielle à roue à Saint-Jean-des-Ollières

Hieronymus Bosch 040

Early.music.hurdy.gurdy.sergio.gonzalez

Sébastien Tron

Hurdy-gurdy is a stringed musical instrument that produces sound by a hand crank-turned, rosined wheel rubbing against the strings. The wheel functions much like a violin bow, and single notes played on the instrument sound similar to those of a violin. Melodies are played on a keyboard that presses tangents—small wedges, typically made of wood—against one or more of the strings to change their pitch. Like most other acoustic stringed instruments, it has a soundboard and hollow cavity to make the vibration of the strings audible.

History

The hurdy-gurdy is believed to have originated from fiddles in either Western Europe or the Middle East some time before the eleventh century A.D. The earliest references to the hurdy-gurdy are from the 12th century, and by the 17th century, it was a common instrument in Europe. The instrument's popularity peaked in the 18th century, and then declined, but it has experienced a resurgence in the 20th and 21st centuries as part of a revival of folk and medieval music.

Design

The hurdy-gurdy's body can vary widely in shape, from the classic lute-back design to modern, guitar-shaped bodies. Traditional hurdy-gurdies have a wooden wheel that touches the strings, a keyboard, and usually two drone strings that run outside the keyboard and a melody string (or strings) played by pressing the keys.

Playing Technique

To play the hurdy-gurdy, the musician turns the crank with one hand and presses the keys with the other. The crank action causes the wheel to turn, vibrating the strings. The melody is played on the keyboard with the musician's other hand. The unique sound of the hurdy-gurdy comes from the constant, droning sound produced by the drone strings, combined with the melody played on the keyboard.

Types of Hurdy-Gurdies

There are several types of hurdy-gurdies, including the French vielle à roue, the Hungarian tekerőlant, and the Spanish zanfona. Each type has its own unique characteristics, but all share the basic mechanism of sound production through a crank-turned wheel.

Cultural Significance

The hurdy-gurdy holds a place in the folk traditions of many European countries. It has been used in a variety of musical genres, including classical music, folk music, and even rock music. The instrument has also appeared in literature and paintings, symbolizing everything from the pastoral life to the complexities of human emotion.

Modern Use

Today, the hurdy-gurdy is experiencing a revival, with musicians exploring its potential in both traditional and contemporary music settings. It is featured in folk music festivals, classical concerts, and even in the soundtracks of films and video games. The instrument's unique sound and historical significance continue to attract new generations of players and listeners.