Have you ever heard of a hurdy gurdy? It might sound like a strange name, but this musical instrument has a fascinating history and is making a bit of a comeback in recent times.
The hurdy gurdy is an old-fashioned instrument that looks a bit like a small guitar with a crank on the side. In this post, we will take a closer look into the history and origins of this musical instrument.
History Of Hurdy Gurdy
The hurdy gurdy came about during Medieval times, tracing its roots back to a larger instrument called the organistrum. The organistrum was a hefty instrument requiring two people to play and lacked the versatility of the modern hurdy gurdy. Its keys were tricky to handle, limiting its use to basic harmonies and slow tunes.
As time passed, the organistrum underwent several modifications until the Renaissance era, when instruments akin to today’s hurdy gurdy began to emerge. It became immensely popular across Europe, with everyone from street performers to troubadours taking it up. Each country had its term for the instrument. In England, the music produced by it was called “hurley burley,” which likely transformed into the name we now recognize it by.
Hurdy Gurdy Today
In recent times, the hurdy gurdy has seen a surge in popularity. Today, there’s a select group of musicians who make a living by mastering this unique instrument.
Modern players not only explore traditional roots, but they also love to experiment with new sounds and styles. With its distinctive sound and charm, the hurdy-gurdy is finding its way into contemporary music genres, not to mention the touch of old-world flair it adds to the modern music scene.
Whether it’s in folk festivals or indie concerts, the hurdy-gurdy is carving out a niche for itself in today’s musical landscape, proving that even ancient instruments can find relevance in our digital age.
If you are into musical instruments, you should check out a hurdy gurdy in action and even try playing it. It may be old-fashioned, but it’s making a comeback in a big way.