Hurdy-gurdy

anonymous, 18th century(?), with a 19th-century reconstruction of the keys

Information

Hurdy-gurdies were not held in high esteem and were mainly used by wandering musicians or beggars. Minstrels particularly wanted to distinguish themselves from them. Turning the handle with one hand causes a wheel to hit the strings. This provides a humming accompaniment (‘bourdon’). With his other hand, the musician plays a melody on the strings.

Audio

Ioannes de Gruytters, Contredanse
Uit/from: Ioannes de Gruytters, Voor Den Beijaert ofte klok-spil, Antwerpen, 1746, p. 135 Speelman, gij moet strijken
Traditionele muziek uit Vlaanderen Traditionele instrumenten en dansmuziek Iep Fourier, draailier
Eufoda 1335