The hurdy-gurdy is a very ancient musical instrument, whose invention dates back to the Middle Ages. Even today, it enjoys a small but dedicated group of enthusiasts, particularly among those with a passion for string instruments. According to the Hornbostel-Sachs classification system, this instrument is categorized under the code 321.321-72. Its use in music today is quite limited, typically restricted to events like medieval reenactments or the performance of Baroque, Renaissance, or traditional European music from both Western and Eastern traditions.
The hurdy-gurdy is often misunderstood or completely unknown to those who are just beginning their journey into music. Given its history, structure, mechanism, and aesthetic form, it is a fascinating string instrument with polyphonic characteristics. Over the centuries, many prominent composers have praised the hurdy-gurdy for its versatility, which has allowed it to adapt to various musical styles and uses.
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The History of the Hurdy-Gurdy: From the Middle Ages to Today
Historical records of the hurdy-gurdy, referred to in English as “hurdy-gurdy,” identify it with a very different name than what it is known as today. Specifically, the organistrum, a string instrument named for its large size and complexity of use, resembled a portable organ. It spread rapidly across European countrysides and homes, accompanying ballads and folklore with its distinctive tones. Its quick adoption across Europe also led to its use in churches, providing musical accompaniment during ceremonies. The instrument is depicted in numerous works of art, most notably in the carvings on the portals of the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral in Spain, where a large version played by two individuals can be seen.
Before reaching its peak popularity, the hurdy-gurdy underwent several centuries of evolution, shifting from being a prestigious instrument for sacred music to becoming a staple among minstrels and beggars in European cities. These performers often used the hurdy-gurdy to entertain, sometimes accompanied by dancing monkeys. Its popularity among the lower classes led to the creation of compositions still admired today, characterized by a sound reminiscent of bagpipes with pastoral and bucolic undertones.
The Use of the Hurdy-Gurdy in 18th-Century Music
In France, until the end of the 18th century, the hurdy-gurdy was studied by many renowned musicians who admired its unique sound and the skill required to play it. Historical music books from the time reveal that the hurdy-gurdy was crafted in numerous variations, often personalized based on the social standing of the owner.
Famous composers like Mozart composed several pieces featuring the hurdy-gurdy, such as the Minuet K 601 No. 2. In Italy, Antonio Vivaldi incorporated the instrument into works like Pastor Fido, alongside the more prestigious violin, oboe, and recorder. Béla Bartók, a Hungarian musician, was among the first Eastern European experts to study the hurdy-gurdy, helping introduce it to Russia, where it blended well with the region’s folk music traditions.
The Hurdy-Gurdy Today
Today, the hurdy-gurdy is regarded as a vintage instrument. In the 20th century, with the advent of instruments like the accordion, which produced similar sounds but were easier to play, the hurdy-gurdy declined in popularity. It survived mainly in specific regions and within folk traditions.
How the Hurdy-Gurdy Is Made
The hurdy-gurdy is a musical instrument that has evolved in design over time. The most favored type resembles a lute, featuring a rounded body for easy handling and portability. It consists of a wooden wheel that, when turned by a crank, rubs against the strings to produce sound. To facilitate smooth contact, the wheel is coated with rosin, which must be replaced regularly to maintain the instrument’s functionality.
The strings of the hurdy-gurdy are called trompette, bordoni, and cantini, each serving a different purpose. The cantini, located in the center of the instrument, are controlled by a chromatic keyboard to create melodies. The bordoni produce a continuous sound and are tuned to the tonic or dominant note, depending on the desired diatonic scale. The trompette string, placed on a mobile bridge, produces a distinctive buzzing sound, allowing the instrument to create rhythmic accompaniments.
The number of keys can vary from five to twenty-four, and the instrument is played either on the lap or slung over the shoulder. Watch this video for an in-depth look at the hurdy-gurdy’s components:
How to Play the Hurdy-Gurdy
The hurdy-gurdy is a challenging instrument to play, requiring significant skill and the ability to coordinate both hands asynchronously. The rhythm set by the right hand is crucial, as it dictates the tempo through the speed of the crank. Advanced techniques like the coup-de-poignet involve striking the crank handle with the thumb near the revolution points of the wooden wheel to achieve a unique rhythm. However, such techniques are recommended only after mastering the basics.
The hurdy-gurdy is typically played in a modal style, similar to the bagpipe. Each note produced by the strings is accompanied by the drones, with the primary drone note serving as the final note of the melody.
Experienced players often use a secondary drone note called the dominant, pitched a fifth above the main note. Mechanically, playing the hurdy-gurdy involves positioning the left hand on the keys and the right hand on the crank. Coordinated movements of both hands are essential for creating melodies.
For detailed information on the tuning and range of the hurdy-gurdy, visit this link. Generally, the instrument is tuned using two traditional French systems, Auvergnat and Bourbonnais, depending on the piece being performed.