Hurdy Gurdy
The hurdy-gurdy is a European stringed instrument which stirs the greatest interest amongst audiences, who seem to be instantly captivated by its sound and form.
The hurdy-gurdy played by DANTE FERRARA is an 1854 copy of an early baroque model and is most suited to provide bright and lively dance tunes. The right hand operates a handle which turns a rosined wheel acting as a bow touching drone and melody strings.
The melody strings pass through a rectangular box into which the left hand operates a series of keys to play the tune.
The characteristic sound of the hurdy-gurdy also includes a sophisticated rhythm section created when the player uses a certain muscular wrist action which results in a drone string with a loose bridge vibrating on the soundboard.
This intriguing instrument has caught the imagination of many composers from Vivaldi to Page & Plant.