What do you get when you mix a violin with an accordion, and dampen the sound by placing it inside a bagpipe? It might sound like a wild experiment from a music freak, but it’s a unique instrument that blends Celtic and medieval in an incredible way. It gives you a rich, bagpipe-like bass paired with a folk-inspired melody. Well, that’s the hurdy gurdy for you!
Although the hurdy gurdy originated during the medieval times, it is still used in some places. It has made a comeback in recent times, introducing the world to an instrument that was once lost. If the history of hurdy gurdy interests you, you should give this post a read.
History Of Hurdy Gurdy
The hurdy gurdy traces its roots back to the medieval era, where it evolved from a larger instrument called the organistrum. For those unversed, the organistrum was a hefty instrument that wasn’t as versatile as the hurdy gurdy we know today. Its keys were tough to manage, so it was mainly used for slow, simple melodies.
However, with time, the organistrum underwent numerous modifications, which gave birth to the hurdy gurdy. The first time when it was introduced, the hurdy gurdy became wildly popular across Europe. From street musicians to troubadours, everyone played the instrument.
It became popular to the extent that each country had a different name for hurdy gurdy. For instance, in England, it was jokingly called “hurley burley.”
Hurdy Gurdy In Present Times
In recent years, the hurdy-gurdy has been making a comeback. Some skilled musicians have dedicated their careers to mastering this unique instrument.
One of the prominent musicians to play the hurdy gurdy is Patty Gurdy. Just so you know she performs covers of modern songs like Game of Thrones’ theme.
The hurdy-gurdy is more than just an instrument with a quirky name. It’s a fascinating piece of musical instrument that has evolved over centuries. If want to try something truly different, you should give the hurdy-gurdy a try. You never know if you might find yourself enchanted by its charm.
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