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What does hurdy-gurdy means?
Definition of hurdy-gurdy 1 : a stringed instrument in which sound is produced by the friction of a rosined wheel turned by a crank against the strings and the pitches are varied by keys.
Why do people say hurdy-gurdy?
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the mid 18th century origin of the term hurdy-gurdy is onomatopoeic in origin, after the repetitive warble in pitch that characterizes instruments with solid wooden wheels that have warped due to changes in humidity or after the sound of the buzzing-bridge.
What is the history of the hurdy-gurdy?
The hurdy-gurdy was first mentioned in the 10th century as the organistrum. It was then a church instrument played by two men, one fingering the keys, one turning the wheel. Secular, one-man forms, called symphonia, appeared in the 13th century.
What is the real name for a hurdy-gurdy?
The hurdy gurdy, known in France as the vielle a roue or vielle for short, is an ancient instrument which is undergoing a modern renaissance in Europe and America.
What does girdy mean?
: a revolving drum or large spool used in hauling nets and lines aboard commercial fishing boats.
When was the hurdy gurdy popular?
The hurdy-gurdy made its first appearance in the 10th century, at the same time as the regular vielle, but as a large and unwieldy, two-person instrument. In the 13th century, it was reduced in size and seems thereafter to have become increasingly popular.
When was the hurdy-gurdy popular?
It was fashionable during the reign of Louis XIV, 1660 to 1715, as the vielle à roue (“wheel fiddle”). Music for this instrument was written by popular composers in the baroque period such as Vivaldi and later Mozart. This tradition of the hurdy gurdy continued until the reign of Louis XV ended.
Is gurdy a word?
Yes, gurdy is in the scrabble dictionary.
How many hurdy Gurdys are there?
There are many new records of both traditional and modern music which feature the hurdy gurdy. Classes in vielle a roue, cabrette, bagpipe, dancing and accordion are very popular. Fifteen years ago, one had to go to Switzerland to get a hurdy gurdy. Now there are more than 50 makers in France.
What kind of music uses a hurdy-gurdy?
The German folk-rock metal band Feuerschwanz sometimes uses a hurdy-gurdy in their songs. The German folk-rock band Schandmaul uses a hurdy-gurdy. The medieval metal band Saltatio Mortis makes extensive use of the hurdy-gurdy and other instruments not typically seen in metal genres.
What does Gurfy mean?
noun Informal. empty or foolish talk; nonsense.
What is the modern version of hurdy-gurdy?
In France, it was known as a symphonia until it was abandoned for popular music in the late fifteenth century. One can surmise that, at this time, the name changed to vielle a roue, which is still used today.
What does gorgy mean?
an abbreviated form of “gorgeous”. You should buy that dress. It’s so gorgy! See more words with the same meaning: attractive.
Is there such a thing as a hurdy gurdy?
Another 10th-century treatise thought to have mentioned an instrument like a hurdy-gurdy is an Arabic musical compendium written by Al Zirikli.
How many keys does a hurdy-gurdy have?
Most contemporary hurdy-gurdies have 24 keys that cover a range of two chromatic octaves. To achieve proper intonation and sound quality, each string of a hurdy-gurdy must be wrapped with cotton or similar fibers. The cotton on melody strings tends to be quite light, while drone strings have heavier cotton.
Where can I find media related to hurdy-gurdy?
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Hurdy-gurdies. Wikisource has the text of the 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica article ” Hurdy-Gurdy “. Wulfstan the Cantor?
How do you intonate a hurdy-gurdy?
To achieve proper intonation and sound quality, each string of a hurdy-gurdy must be wrapped with cotton or similar fibers. The cotton on melody strings tends to be quite light, while drone strings have heavier cotton. Improper cottoning results in a raspy tone, especially at higher pitches.