Hurdy-gurdy, eighteenth century
Title
Hurdy-gurdy, eighteenth century
Description
"Originating in the middle-ages in Europe the hurdy-gurdy has been popular throughout Europe through the ages, particularly during the renaissance. The rich, multi-layer sound is the result of its complex construction. A stringed instrument, it produces sound by a crank-turned, rosined wheel rubbing against the strings. The wheel functions much like a violin bow, playing single notes much like a violin. Melodies are played on a keyboard that presses tangents — small wooden wedges — against one or more of the strings to change their pitch. Most hurdy-gurdys have multiple drone strings, providing a constant pitch accompaniment to the melody, producing a sound similar to that of bagpipes. A loose bridge under the drone strings creates a buzzing sound." (Toronto Consort.)
Publisher
Toronto Consort
Date
Second half 18th century.
Rights
Metropolitan Museum of Art
Coverage
France
Files
Citation
“Hurdy-gurdy, eighteenth century,” Omeka Gym, accessed February 12, 2025, https://omekagym.omeka.net/items/show/720.