If you are someone who easily gets intrigued by old musical instruments, you should take a look at the hurdy gurdy. It is a unique and fascinating instrument that was developed decades ago and is still popular in some parts of the world.
To be precise, hurdy gurdy first originated during the medieval period. Over the years, the instrument went through several changes before it reached the modern version seen today. If you are eager to learn more about one of the oldest known string instruments, this guide is for you.
Brief Historical Background
The hurdy gurdy was first developed during the 10th century in Europe. In the beginning, it was known as the “organistrum” and required two people to play.
Over time, the instrument evolved and became compact and more portable. By the 13th century, it came to be known as hurdy gurdy and became quite popular among medieval musicians and street performers.
How Does A Hurdy Gurdy Work?
A hurdy gurdy is a string instrument that produces sound through the turning of a crank, rubbing against a wheel. It might sound like a violin, but it is different. When you turn the crank, the wheel rotates and rubs against the strings, causing them to vibrate. This is what produces the sweet melody.
A hurdy gurdy is equipped with two types of strings – drone strings and melody strings. The combination of these two string types creates a distinctive, continuous sound.
Types Of Hurdy Gurdies
Just so you know there are several types of hurdy gurdies available out there. Some of the popular types include:
- Symphonia: This is the earliest form of the hurdy gurdy.
- Gothic Hurdy Gurdy: A gothic hurdy gurdy is much smaller and portable. It became popular in the medieval period.
- French Hurdy Gurdy: It is known for its sophisticated design and rich sound. You can find it in several traditional French folk music.
No doubt, a hurdy gurdy is a remarkable musical instrument with a rich history. You can learn to play a hurdy gurdy, but it is not as easy as other instruments. The recent resurgence in popularity made the instrument known to the world.
