Hurdy-Gurdy 手摇琴

001Overview

The hurdy-gurdy is a stringed instrument that produces sound by turning a rosined wheel with a crank. The wheel acts like a continuous bow, rubbing against the strings to create a sustained drone. Melodies are played on one or more strings using a keyboard mechanism that presses small wooden tangents against the strings to change their pitch. This combination of a rotating wheel and a keyed mechanism gives the hurdy-gurdy a distinctive sound that blends characteristics of bowed and keyed instruments.

The instrument is known by various names across Europe, including vielle à roue in French, Drehleier in German, and zanfona in Spanish. It is often associated with folk music traditions in France, Hungary, and other parts of Europe. The hurdy-gurdy has a rich history that spans centuries, from its medieval origins to its modern revival in folk and contemporary music. Its unique timbre, which can be both rustic and haunting, has made it a favorite in ensembles that perform traditional dance music and in solo performances.

Despite its name, the hurdy-gurdy is not related to the barrel organ or the street piano, which are sometimes also called hurdy-gurdies. The instrument discussed here is a string instrument played with a crank and keyboard. It is a member of the bowed string family, although the bowing is mechanical rather than manual. Its sound is often described as nasal, buzzing, or bagpipe-like, due to the presence of drone strings that sound continuously.

002Construction and materials

The hurdy-gurdy typically has a wooden body that can be either guitar-shaped or lute-shaped, with a flat or slightly arched back. The top plate is usually made of spruce, while the back and sides may be made of maple, walnut, or other hardwoods. The wheel, which is the primary sound-producing component, is made of wood and is coated with rosin to create friction against the strings. The wheel is turned by a crank attached to a metal axle, which extends through the body of the instrument.

Inside the body, there are several strings: one or more melody strings (called chanterelles) and one or more drone strings (called bourdons). The melody strings are stopped by a set of keys housed in a keybox. Each key has a small wooden tangent that presses against the string when the key is depressed. The keys are arranged in a diatonic or chromatic scale, depending on the instrument. The drone strings are tuned to fixed pitches and sound continuously when the wheel is turned. Some hurdy-gurdies also have a trompette string, which is a buzzing string that produces a rhythmic drone when the wheel is accelerated.

The strings are traditionally made of gut, but modern instruments often use nylon or steel. The wheel is usually made of maple or other dense wood, and its surface is carefully shaped to ensure even contact with the strings. The keybox is often made of hardwood such as ebony or rosewood, and the keys are typically made of boxwood or similar materials. The overall construction requires precise craftsmanship to ensure that the wheel turns smoothly and that the tangents stop the strings accurately.

003How it is played

The hurdy-gurdy is played by holding the instrument on the lap or strapped to the body, with the right hand turning the crank and the left hand operating the keyboard. The player turns the crank at a steady speed to produce a continuous sound. The left hand presses the keys to change the pitch of the melody strings, while the drone strings continue to sound. The instrument can be played while seated or standing, and some players use a strap to support it.

The technique involves coordinating the crank speed with the key presses. To produce a note, the player presses a key, which causes the tangent to press against the string, effectively shortening its vibrating length. When the key is released, the tangent moves away, and the string returns to its open length. The drone strings are not stopped by keys; they sound continuously as long as the wheel is turning. The trompette string, if present, can be used to create a rhythmic buzz by turning the crank faster or slower, a technique known as coup de poignet.

Playing the hurdy-gurdy requires a good sense of rhythm and coordination. The right hand must maintain a steady rotation, while the left hand navigates the keyboard. The instrument does not have a wide dynamic range in the traditional sense, but players can vary the volume and articulation by changing the crank speed and the pressure on the keys. Some advanced techniques include playing chords by pressing multiple keys, and using the trompette to accent beats.

004Sound and tuning

The hurdy-gurdy has a distinctive, penetrating sound that is often described as nasal, reedy, or buzzing. The continuous drone of the bourdons gives it a bagpipe-like quality, while the melody strings can produce a sharp, clear tone. The instrument is typically tuned to a diatonic scale, with the melody strings tuned in unison or octaves, and the drones tuned to the tonic and dominant of the key. Some instruments have additional strings for added resonance.

The tuning of a hurdy-gurdy can vary depending on the region and the type of music. In French traditional music, for example, the instrument is often tuned to G or D, with the drones tuned to G and D. In Hungarian folk music, the tekerőlant is often tuned to a different scale. The wheel's speed affects the pitch slightly; a faster turn can raise the pitch a bit, while a slower turn lowers it. This characteristic is sometimes used expressively.

The sound of the hurdy-gurdy is often compared to that of the bagpipes, the nyckelharpa, and the rebab, although each has its own unique qualities. The hurdy-gurdy's buzz is caused by the interaction of the wheel with the strings, and by the trompette string, which vibrates against a loose bridge to create a rhythmic drone. The instrument's volume can be quite loud, making it suitable for outdoor performances and dance music. Its timbre is rich in overtones, giving it a complex, earthy character.

005History and origins

The hurdy-gurdy has its origins in Europe, with early forms appearing in the Middle Ages. The instrument is believed to have evolved from the organistrum, a large, two-person instrument used in churches and monasteries to teach chants. The organistrum required two people to play: one to turn the crank and one to operate the keys. By the 13th century, a smaller, one-person version called the symphonia or chifonie emerged, which could be played while held on the lap.

During the Renaissance and Baroque periods, the hurdy-gurdy became popular in courtly and folk music. In France, it was known as the vielle à roue and was played by both aristocrats and peasants. It was also used in other parts of Europe, including Spain, Italy, Germany, and Hungary. In the 18th century, the instrument was refined with the addition of the trompette and other improvements, and it became a fashionable instrument in French society. However, its popularity declined in the 19th century as other instruments gained favor.

In the 20th century, the hurdy-gurdy experienced a revival, particularly in the folk music scenes of France, Hungary, and other European countries. It was adopted by musicians interested in traditional music and by contemporary composers. Today, the hurdy-gurdy is played in a variety of musical genres, from folk and medieval music to rock and experimental music. Its unique sound continues to attract players and audiences around the world.

006Role in traditional and modern music

In traditional music, the hurdy-gurdy is often used to play dance tunes, such as bourrées, mazurkas, and waltzes. In French folk music, it is a staple instrument in ensembles that perform bal-musette and other regional styles. In Hungarian folk music, the tekerőlant is used in ensembles that play csárdás and other traditional dances. The instrument is also found in the folk music of other European countries, including Spain, where it is known as the zanfona, and in Sweden, where it is related to the nyckelharpa.

In modern music, the hurdy-gurdy has been adopted by a variety of artists and bands. It appears in medieval music ensembles, world music groups, and even in rock and metal bands. Some contemporary composers have written new works for the instrument, exploring its unique timbral possibilities. The hurdy-gurdy is also used in film scores and video game music, where its rustic and evocative sound can create a sense of history or fantasy.

The instrument's role in music education is growing, with workshops and courses offered at folk music festivals and conservatories. Many players today learn through oral tradition or formal instruction, and there is a vibrant community of hurdy-gurdy makers and players worldwide. The instrument's versatility allows it to blend with other instruments, such as the bagpipes, the rebab, and the nyckelharpa, in both traditional and experimental settings.

007Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a hurdy-gurdy and a barrel organ? The hurdy-gurdy is a string instrument played with a crank and keyboard, where the wheel rubs against strings to produce sound. A barrel organ, sometimes called a hurdy-gurdy in English, is a wind instrument that uses a pinned barrel to play music automatically. They are completely different instruments.

How is the hurdy-gurdy tuned? The tuning varies by tradition and instrument type. Typically, the melody strings are tuned to a diatonic scale, and the drone strings are tuned to the tonic and dominant of the key. For example, in French music, common tunings are in G or D. The trompette string is tuned to a specific pitch and is used for rhythmic effects.

Can the hurdy-gurdy be played in any key? Most traditional hurdy-gurdies are diatonic, meaning they are limited to a specific key or mode. However, some modern instruments have chromatic keyboards that allow playing in multiple keys. The drones are usually fixed, so changing keys may require retuning or using a capo-like device. The instrument's range is typically about two octaves.