This composite instrument, the body dating back to the 17th century and carved from a single block of English beech has a birch table. The head and key box are by the French maker Francois Louvet who presumably restored and added to this ancient instrument following irrevocable damage suffered in the 18th century.*
*From a sign next to the Hurdy Gurdy
I heard one of those things being played very well, one time, and it wasn’t too bad.
I didn’t realise that a Hurdy Gurdy was a real instrument until I saw this
Ah, this kind of hurdy gurdy is new to me. When coming here I had another picture in my mind. And the last piece of Schubert’s “Winterreise” in my ears – The Hurdy Gurdy Man: Back of the village stands a hurdy-gurdy man, cranking his instrument with frozen fingers. His begging bowl is always empty; no one listens, and the dogs growl at him. But his playing never stops. “Strange old man. Shall I come with you? Will you play your hurdy-gurdy to accompany my songs?”
It is a long time since I have heard that song.
unfamiliar yet so elegant looking musical instrument dear Cheri
i would love to hear it
So would I
Loads of Hurdy-Gurdy music on YouTube. In fact you are spoilt for choice.
Allow me to pick one for you.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8zGZJQ5yps&list=PLbkqeVrBIXkptYImO7vDcoU3GEtm_p_XB&index=16&t=0s
People sometimes thing my organ is an HG because I turn a handle, I have to put them right,
Cheers
Bernard xx
Thanks Bernard
It is lovely to hear from you. I hope you are keeping OK xx
I would love to hear how it sounds.
Dear Yum yum,
Try that link to YouTube in my comment above. I expect the one in the museum is in need of TLC before it would play.
Regards
Bernard.
It has been restored although it doesn’t say if it is able to produce a melody.