What is a Hurdy Gurdy?

The hurdy gurdy, also known as the “wheel fiddle,” is similar to the nyckelharpa in that it’s notes are summoned using a keyboard which controls tangents (wood wedges) that depress the strings at defined intervals. What is most interesting about this violin-type instrument is that the strings are vibrated by a resin wheel mechanism which is powered by a hand-crank. The hurdy gurdy has several drone strings which produce steady overtones when the instrument is in action. The sound qualities of the hurdy gurdy are similar to those of the bagpipe!

The hurdy gurdy has evolved through many shapes and sizes since it’s first conception (as the two-person ‘organistrum’) prior to the 11th century in Western Europe. At this time, the instrument was mainly played along with choral music in the monastic church. During the 17th century, technological advances in the instrument allowed it to percolate down to the lower classes. This caused disdain for the instrument in the upper class and the hurdy gurdy became known as the ‘beggar’s lyre.’

In the 18th century, the hurdy gurdy regained it’s popular status with the nobility and the famous composers of the time due to Europe’s emerging attraction to the French Rococo (rustic, ornate, elegant) style. The hurdy gurdy spread to Eastern Europe and the Slavic countries where many new variations of the instrument were spawned. During the early 20th century, very few hurdy gurdies remained and many variations of the instrument had become extinct. A new revival of the hurdy gurdy is happening today and the instrument is being played in all types of unusual and contemporary music!

Long live the hurdy gurdy!

Source: Wikipedia