Hurdy gurdy

Hurdy gurdy
String instrument, typical in folk music of Occitanie, France, Aragona, Galicia, Cantabria and Hungary, other than Piedmont.

Description

Strings are tucked inside, and they are played by a rosined wheel which rubs them.

The wheel is actioned by a hand turned crank.
Notes are produced pressing the keys on the sides, some play the melody while others play a drone (same note continously).

History

Hurdy gurdy was born circa in 1000 CE, initially as cleric instrument, which was meant to be played by two people together, one turning the crank and the other pressing keys.
Its nowadays appearence hails from the 13th century.

During late Middle Ages, hurdy gurdy wasn't played anymore in churches, however, it has been adopted by beggars and itinerant musicians, until 16th century, when it made its way to courts orchestras.

Piedmont

In Piedmontese, hurdy gurdy is named "Viòla dij bòrgno", that can be translated as viola of the blinds, underlining its humble origins, back in the time when it was played by blind beggars who could earn some money only from music.

In the region, the instrument is played especially in Occitan Valleys in the west, but also in Canavese and Biella and Novara surroundings.


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