“Histories of ages past Unenlightened shadows cast Down through all eternity The crying of humanity…
Tis then when the Hurdy Gurdy Man Comes singing songs of love, Then when the Hurdy Gurdy Man Comes singing songs of love.”
The hurdy-gurdy man appears in folklore and popular culture, often depicted as a wandering musician or street performer. This character is romanticized in various stories and songs, symbolizing the life of a traveling entertainer who brings music and stories to different towns and villages.
One of the most notable references to the hurdy-gurdy man is in the song “Hurdy Gurdy Man” by Donovan, released in 1968. The song evokes the image of a mystical musician spreading wisdom and enchantment through his music. In folklore and literature, the hurdy-gurdy man often embodies themes of mystery, nostalgia, and the power of music to transcend boundaries and connect people.
An instrument
A hurdy-gurdy is also a stringed musical instrument that produces sound by turning a crank attached to a wheel that rubs against the strings, similar to the way a violin bow works. It has a keyboard that presses tangents (small wedges) against the strings to change their pitch. The instrument typically has drone strings, which provide a constant pitch, and melody strings, which the player can control via the keyboard.
The hurdy-gurdy is known for its distinctive buzzing sound, created by a loose bridge called a “dog” or “trompette,” which vibrates when the crank is turned with more force. This buzzing can be used rhythmically to accompany the melody. The instrument has a long history and has been used in various musical traditions, from medieval and Renaissance music to contemporary folk and experimental genres.
Uninterrupted music or drone
Uninterrupted music refers to a continuous flow of musical sound without any breaks or pauses. This seamless progression allows for a sustained auditory experience, where melodies, harmonies, and rhythms move fluidly from one section to the next without interruption. This type of music can create an immersive atmosphere, maintaining a consistent emotional or thematic tone that engages the listener deeply. It is often used in contexts where a steady, cohesive backdrop is desired, such as in film scores, ambient music, or extended live performances, enhancing the listener’s experience by avoiding disruptions that could break the mood or focus.
In modern times, uninterrupted music can be referred to as a “drone” when it involves a continuous, sustained note or chord that persists throughout a piece. This droning sound serves as a constant auditory backdrop, often creating a meditative, hypnotic, or atmospheric effect. Drones are frequently used in various genres, including ambient, electronic, and experimental music, to maintain a steady foundation over which other musical elements can evolve. The constancy of a drone can evoke a sense of timelessness and stability, anchoring the listener’s experience while allowing for subtle variations and developments in the surrounding musical textures.
Byzantium times
In Byzantium times, uninterrupted drones became commonplace in the context of religious and liturgical music, particularly in the Eastern Orthodox Church. Known as “ison,” this continuous drone was typically sung by a group of bass voices or produced by an instrument, providing a constant pitch beneath the melody. The use of the ison created a rich, sonorous foundation that supported and enhanced the chant, allowing the complex, ornamented melodic lines to soar above it. This practice not only added depth and resonance to the music but also reinforced the spiritual and meditative atmosphere of the worship services. The uninterrupted drone became a defining characteristic of Byzantine chant, influencing the development of musical traditions in Eastern Christian liturgies and beyond.
The sound
The hurdy-gurdy is uniquely equipped to produce an ison or drone effect due to its design, which includes multiple strings that can be continuously sounded by the turning of a crank. Among these strings are dedicated drone strings that, when activated, produce a constant pitch, much like the ison in Byzantine music. The wheel of the hurdy-gurdy, acting as a circular bow, rubs against these drone strings perpetually, creating an unbroken, resonant sound. This allows the player to sustain a drone while simultaneously playing melodies on the instrument’s melody strings via a keyboard mechanism. The hurdy-gurdy’s ability to produce this continuous drone provides a harmonic foundation over which intricate and varied melodic lines can be played, making it ideal for creating rich, layered musical textures.
Other worldly
The hurdy-gurdy is capable of producing a haunting sound due to its unique combination of continuous drone strings and melody strings, activated by a hand-cranked wheel that creates a constant, resonant hum. This droning effect, coupled with the ability to play intricate melodies, results in a rich, otherworldly timbre that can evoke a sense of mystery and nostalgia. The instrument’s distinctive sound has made it a compelling choice for use in various media, including movies and video games, where it enhances atmospheric and emotional scenes. Its eerie, medieval quality has been featured in films like “The Name of the Rose” and “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers,” as well as in video games such as “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt,” where it underscores the game’s immersive, ancient world setting.
Links
Here is a link to to be able to see and listen to a hurdy-gurdy in action… watch
Here is a link to Donovan’s song from 1968… watch