I think the hurdy-gurdy is a fascinating musical instrument.  It’s really bizarre. It looks like a cross between a violin and an accordion.

It makes music like no other instrument; the extraordinary sound comes from a hand-turned wheel rubbing against the strings, different sounds are made by pressing keys that shorten the strings vibration.  What other instrument plays using strings, a wheel and keys?

It has been known as a hurdy-gurdy since the 1700s, before that it was called a symphony. It’s quite a comical name and shows that it was not considered a very serious instrument.

It’s a lot bulkier than a violin and was slung around the player’s neck like a guitar.  It makes a very jolly sound similar to bagpipes, and because of its casual quirky appearance, tends to be used in folk music.

Hurdy gurdys have been around for almost a thousand years, first as a very large instrument that needed two people to play it. From the 1400s it was much smaller and known as a beggar’s instrument. Its musical ‘drone’ was a common sound on busy streets, at fairs and outdoor events.

This one was made in France (where it was known as a Vielle a Roue) between 1770 and 1800 and during a time when was briefly popular in high society. Famous composers such as Vivaldi and Mozart even wrote music for it.

It looks fun to play and is beautifully designed, there is a head carved into one end.

I think other people often think that I have quite poor taste in music, but I know what I like and I like happy music; the reason that I like the hurdy-gurdy is that it’s a happy instrument!

Ian, Museum Stores Assistant