கெத்து வாத்தியம்

About This Instrument

The hurdy-gurdy is a mechanical string instrument that produces sound by a hand-cranked, rosined wheel rubbing against the strings. Dating back to the 11th century, it features melody strings that can be stopped with tangents controlled by keys, alongside drone strings that provide a continuous bass note. The instrument was once played in courts across Europe before becoming associated with street musicians and folk traditions. Its distinctive buzzing, droning quality creates an almost hypnotic soundscape that evokes the medieval era.

Typical Usage

Historically, the hurdy-gurdy served dual roles in European society. In medieval courts, it accompanied sacred and secular music, while by the 18th century it had become the instrument of wandering musicians and beggars. Today, it experiences a revival in folk music scenes across France, Hungary, and Spain, and has found new life in neo-medieval and experimental music. It remains central to traditional French bourrées and Hungarian csárdás dances.

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