This video is of two members of the neo-Medieval group Corvus Corax demonstrating the organistrum. The organistrum is an old stringed instrument which was the direct ancestor of the hurdy gurdy.
The strings are bowed by a wheel which is turned by hand crank. The notes are formed by lifting keys on the long neck. The fact that the instrument is so large means that two people are required to play it. The fact that the keys must be lifted rather than pressed makes it a slow playing instrument.
These flaws led to the development of the smaller, portable hurdy gurdy which only requires one operator.
You may follow the links for more complete information.
Explore Christian Blogosphere
|