Hurdy-gurdy Mailing List - October 2002
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Our deepest thanks to Maxou Heintzen for this fabulous photograph, taken at Saint-Cloud near Paris in 1957 by an unknown photographer.
The following are the archives of the Hurdy-gurdy Mailing List, sponsored by Alden and Cali Hackmann of Olympic Musical Instruments.
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Date: Wed, 02 Oct 2002 08:20:08 -0700
From: Pat Nelson <pjs3ds _at_ hotmail.com>
Subject: RE: [HG] Hubbard HG For Sale
Julie,
Thanks for your generous offer, but I did sell at the OTW festival.
Pat
>From: "JulieR" <julesong _at_ attbi.com>
>To: <hg _at_ hurdygurdy.com>
>Subject: RE: [HG] Hubbard HG For Sale
>Date: Mon, 23 Sep 2002 15:12:53 -0700
>
>Pat - if you'd like to get selling info for the HG online, let me know.
>I'd
>be happy to list it for you my Hurdy Gurdies For Sale page at
>http://www.julesong.com/misc/hg/hgswap.htm. You can send me files of
>photos
>or get some pics of it taken at the festival (digital are easier to deal
>with, but if you need them scanned I can help with that, too) and we can
>get
>it online. Regrettably, I won't be at the festival myself or I'd take pics
>for you.
>
>Actually, that goes for any of you, if you have HGs to sell. :)
>
>--JulieR
>
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Date: Wed, 2 Oct 2002 20:04:24 +0100
From: Kainzmeier Ernst <kainer _at_ chello.at>
Subject: [HG] Pleyels Notturno
Hello,
a few months ago someone posted on this list about a Notturno for french
horn and two lyras composed by Ignace Joseph Pleyel, an native Austrian
(born in Ruppersthal near Vienna), who lived at the turn of 18th to 19th
century and died in Paris 1831.
Now I want to know more about that Notturno (background, and so on) but
unfortunately I didn't store that posting and the available mail archives
don't content this posting too (pardon me, Alden!).
Did someone store that posting? Could someone help?
Regards
Ernst (Vienna/Austria)
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Date: Thu, 03 Oct 2002 18:30:22 -0400
From: George Bitzer <n5ink _at_ mindspring.com>
Subject: [HG] new member's intro
Hello,
Before I introduce myself, I would like to express my warmest thanks to
those people who help make my first time attending the Over the Water festival a
memorable and most of all fun experience.
My name is George Bitzer and I live in Medford, New York, a town on Long
Island located about 50 miles east of New York City. Until five years ago, I made
my living as a prefessional musician. I had been doing this for twenty-seven years.
As some of you may know, earning a living as a musician is either feast or famine.
When the famine started to outweigh the feast, I was forced to change careers. Now,
I teach other blind and visually impaired people how to use computers using specialized
hardware and software.
The first time I heard a hurdy gurdy was this summer at Pennsic Wars - - an
SCA event depicting various medieval re-enactments.
Some of these include arts and crafts,battles, cooking, music,
story-telling, and a whole lot more. When I heard the hurdy gurdy, I was facinated.
I had to have one ... I bought one ... and the rest is history.
I am looking for players in my area to jam with. Practice, practice,
practice is ok and necessary, but playing with others is much more fun.
George Bitzer
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Date: Thu, 3 Oct 2002 16:06:44 -0700
From: Jay <jghof _at_ centurytel.net>
Subject: RE: [HG] new member's intro
George,
Welcome to the group. I too am a new timer to the HG email group. I
was in your classes at OTW. What a great time. Since coming home, I
have been able to make a couple of improvements to my HG, and am
starting to practice.
Jay Hoffman
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Date: Thu, 03 Oct 2002 16:28:25 -0700
From: Anna Peekstok <apeekstok _at_ attbi.com>
Subject: Re: [HG] new member's intro
Hi George,
It's nice to see you here. I enjoyed meeting you at the OTW festival (I'm
the one who maintains the OTW web site).
By the way, I've posted some photos from the festival -- including one that
shows you strapping on your loaner instrument -- on the OTW web site
(http://www.overthewater.org/2002/). There are more photos to come, but it
takes a while to format them and build the pages.
I'm dying to practice all the good things I learned, but have to wait until
my sprained thumb gets better.
Cheers,
Anna
+ + + + + + +
Anna Peekstok
Seattle, WA
http://www.telynor.com
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Date: Thu, 3 Oct 2002 22:43:57 -0500
From: Louise Craig <lcraig _at_ iname.com>
Subject: [HG] New Member Introduction
Hello to everyone, my name is Louise Craig from San Antonio, TX.
I just attended the Over the Water HG Festival and picked up a Hurdy Gurdy
for the first time.
I want to thank all those people who where so trusting to let a group of
beginners play all those beautiful instruments. I would also like to thank
everyone for being so kind and encouraging - what a great bunch of people.
It was so much fun to meet many of you and now I can associate a few names
with faces.
My musical background is mostly from playing flute in High School Band. I
also worked on learning the Scottish bag pipes and various other
instruments, however none have caught my attention like the Hurdy Gurdy - so
now I am looking for an instrument suitable for a beginner. I spoke to quite
a few folks at the festival so I have some recommendations on where to buy
new ones.
I currently work for a very large (55,000 employees) family owned grocery
store chain. I was hired to work on their web site (www.heb.com) but have
recently been transferred into the IS department to work on internal web
related projects and whatever else they throw at me. I've done a bunch of
other stuff from teaching (costuming, computers, various traditional
dances), to being a boatswains mate in the Coast Guard, to computer graphics
and layout to sailing around on a 16th reproduction ship
(http://www.goldenhinde.co.uk/jubilee.html) and making costumes for museums,
individuals and films.
So, that's probably enough (or too much) of an introduction.
Louise Craig
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Date: Thu, 03 Oct 2002 21:06:11 -0700
From: PenPen Cloud <pennycloud _at_ hotmail.com>
Subject: [HG] Over the Water
Dear Friends, I'd like to comment on the Over the Water Festival. It was
so wonderful to be in the company of others who love the hurdy gurdy! I
was able to spend some time with friends I hadn't seen in years and make
new friends, as well. The festival is very well organized, the food
delicious, and the inspiration I gained from studying with brilliant
teachers and playing with friends will run for a long while to
come. Thank you to all involved. Musically yours, Penny
______________________________________________________________________
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Date: Thu, 03 Oct 2002 23:06:02 -0700
From: Rachael Kenoyer <miz_rubylou _at_ hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: [HG] new member's intro
Hello, George, Jay, Louise, and everyone!
I loved meeting all of you, and many others who, until last week, were just
names on this mailing list. It was truly inspiring to be among so many hurdy
gurdy players both old and new. Many thanks to the organizers, teachers, and
fellow students for a wonderful experience---although I must admit to
refusing to listen to anything gurdy-related for two days afterwards!
*laugh*
Did you all catch up on your sleep? Do you still have "Valse � Cadet"
running through your brain at odd hours? ;)
~~Rachael
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Date: Fri, 04 Oct 2002 07:45:32 -0700
From: Pat Nelson <pjs3ds _at_ hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: [HG] new member's intro
Welcome George. Glad you found an hurdy-gurdy to buy. I only met you
briefly at the OTW Festival; I'm the woman that had the Hubbard for sale
that you played. Now that you have your own instrument, you're an official
hurdy-gurdy guy. Hope to see you again next year at the festival.
Pat Nelson
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Date: Fri, 04 Oct 2002 09:36:53 -0700
From: Joan D'Andrea <jeepstr42 _at_ hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: [HG] new member's intro
Hi Anna. Your pix are great. It was so much fun to visit with all the
old comers and meet a few of the new comers on the weekend. Your candids
make me wish even more I had been there. Hello to everyone from the
past. Welcome to all the new comers to the group and the instrument this
is a great bunch of folks to be with. I hope the gatherings will
continue this fall and winter. Joan
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Date: 4 Oct 2002 22:15:29 -0700
From: Dina Hartzell <dina _at_ spiritone.com>
Subject: [HG] tune source
Do people already know about this site? A friend just sent it to me.
http://members.chello.at/simon.wascher/homepage_english/english_homepa
ge_abc.htm
-Dina
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Date: Sat, 05 Oct 2002 08:22:36 -0700
From: Joan D'Andrea <jeepstr42 _at_ hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: [HG] tune source
Hi Dina et all. Dina, so much fun to see you again at the festival and
to belt out those songs together. What a riot. I need to practice my
kazoo for next year. All the rest of you were so much fun during the
multi instrument, sing-a-long. Dina, I tried the address you sent that
is a Simon Washer connection and I get a message back that says I have to
be a memeber. Please to clairfy Manselllle. Joan
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Date: Sat, 05 Oct 2002 08:22:26 -0700
From: Joan D'Andrea <jeepstr42 _at_ hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: [HG] tune source
Hi Dina et all. Dina, so much fun to see you again at the festival and
to belt out those songs together. What a riot. I need to practice my
kazoo for next year. All the rest of you were so much fun during the
multi instrument, sing-a-long. Dina, I tried the address you sent that
is a Simon Washer connection and I get a message back that says I have to
be a memeber. Please to clairfy Manselllle. Joan
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Date: Sat, 05 Oct 2002 17:42:57 +0200
From: Simon Wascher <simon.wascher _at_ chello.at>
Subject: Re: [HG] tune source
Hello,
yes I do know this site. No you don't have to be member of anything to
open this site. Maybe the URL was corrupted. Try:
http://members.chello.at/simon.wascher/homepage_english/english_homepage_abc.htm
regards,
Simon Wascher - Vienna, Austria
... , aus zeitmangel und infolge widriger verhaeltnisse verlaesst die
mehrzahl der menschen diese welt, ohne ueber sie nachgedacht zu haben.
Einigen wiederum, die das zu tun versuchen, wird schwindelig, und sie
beschaeftigen sich mit etwas anderem.
Stanislaw Lem, Hundertsiebenunddreissig Sekunden
http://members.chello.at/simon.wascher/
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Date: Sat, 5 Oct 2002 12:14:09 -0400
From: Judith Lindenau <judith _at_ taar.com>
Subject: RE: [HG] tune source
Or try
http://members.chello.at/simon.wascher/homepage_abc.htm#Notenhefte
Remember that if your e-mail program runs a long address
onto a second line, the url is probably corrupted
and you will have to retype it in.
judith
Judith Lindenau, CAE, RCE
Executive Vice President
Traverse Area Association of Realtors
www.taar.com
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Date: Sat, 05 Oct 2002 14:01:48 -0700
From: Henry Boucher <boite _at_ sympatico.ca>
Subject: [HG] D�lignit for wheels ,
What is the best choice of D�lignit product
http://www.delignit.com/canada/delignit/products/delignitproducts.html
for a HG wheel ?
Henry
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Date: Sat, 05 Oct 2002 23:56:55 -0400
From: Tobie Miller <recorderist _at_ hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: [HG] new member's intro
Hi everyone,
Slow here, as usual :) How's everyone doing? It was great meeting all of
you at the festival - can't wait for next year! I hope you're all catching
up on sleep/real life. I know it's taking me a while... a bit of a shock to
return to the real world and the stacks of assignments awaiting me. But so
well worth it....
George, I'm certainly not in your area, but I'm also not as far as a lot of
people. Perhaps there are others on our side of the continent and sometime
we could arrange to all meet for a weekend of jamming or something. It's
something to think about at least....
Louise, keep us posted on the instrument search. I hope you find something
soon!
Rachael, have you started work yet? Sorry to hear you needed a hurdy-gurdy
vacation... hope you've recovered :)
Dina, how goes?
Anna, I love the pictures. Ps, that's my shoe in one of the jams!
I'll try to send photos when I get them developped. No promises though, I'm
slow and not so wonderful with computers. grr.
I just heard the Micrologus ensemble (medieval stuff) tonight, from Italy.
Really neat. The recorder/shawm/etc. guy played a double recorder (I got a
demonstration afterwards), and the singer also played a Bosch-style (I
think, from the looks and sound of it) hurdy-gurdy, but only twice. sniff.
Hugs,
Tobie
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Date: Sun, 06 Oct 2002 14:24:16 -0700
From: Henry Boucher <boite _at_ sympatico.ca>
Subject: [HG] Lyrniki
Same question again , since nobody answered yet
On the Ukranian/Russian Lira the keys are equally spaced
on the keyboard while on the bandura from the same area
the frets are spaced like on western instrument , yet some
pictures show musicians playing together .
http://www.brama.com/art/kobzar.html
Other similar pictures in the book " Vielle a Roue
Territoire Infini "
I guess that the pictures may be set-up but still,
what kind of music do you expect from an instrument
with equally spaced keys ?
In an old Trad Mag magasine there was an article about
French instruments made by people with hand skills
but poor sense of observation , there were a few
equal spaced keyboard HG in the group , but they
were later sold as wallhangers .
There is such an instrument at the Boston Museum
of Fine Art , last time I saw it ( years ago ) it was labelled
as being made in Qu�bec .
Henry Boucher
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Date: Sun, 6 Oct 2002 19:59:03 +0100
From: Colin Hill <c.hl _at_ virgin.net>
Subject: Re: [HG] Lyrniki
Do you have a picture of the evenly spaced keys showing the workings or a
link to a site that does. It sounds fascinating. I am not familiar with the
Lyra at all. I am presuming that there is not some internal fiddling to get
the notes right. If the notes themselves were evenly spaced then it must
have made a very odd sound - perhaps they just played with other instruments
as a drone.
Please post more!
Colin Hill
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Date: Sun, 6 Oct 2002 14:28:52 -0500
From: "Smishkewych, Wolodymyr" <wjsmishk _at_ indiana.edu>
Subject: RE: [HG] Lyrniki
Hello-
I did think I repied to this thread when it came around the first time, but
perhaps I forgot to.
Since almost 100% of the lyrniki were themselves blind, I have heard a
hypothesis that the even spacing of the keys might have been something
that was done by the makers of their instruments to facilitate playing
within regionally typical modes and otherwise non-"standard" arranged
scales. Meaning, they could have been arranged so that you could only get,
and I am just arbitrarily picking notes out of the air as starting pitches,
something like:
E F/F# G/G# A B D E, by having wide swings of the tangents.
Some of the traditional Ukrainian lyra melodies include 'scales' that skip notes,
and become more penta- or hexatonic than what we recognize as a scale in trad or
classical western music. Alos, there is much alternation of sharps/flats and their
respective naturals within scale patterns.
This even spacing doesn't hold for every lyra--there are a great many instruments
with a more 'standard', logarithmically-conforming layout of the keys--viz many of
the instruments that are in museums, in players' hands today, or even that blueprint
of Ukr instrument in the Musikmuseet catalog!
More often than not the even=spaced examples are more rustic instruments; but there
is no hard and fast rule--the more normally spaced keys could have been on instruments
made by more mainstream-type instrument makers, or those informed by standard lutherie
techniques.
Cheers,
Vlad
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Wolodymyr Joseph Smishkewych
Departmental Administrative Assistant
Department of Voice
Indiana University School of Music
Merrill Hall 105
Bloomington, IN 47401
Tel: +1 (812) 855 2057
Fax: +1 (812) 855 4936
voicedep _at_ indiana.edu
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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Date: Sun, 6 Oct 2002 16:54:07 EDT
From: DISKJAKEY _at_ aol.com
Subject: Re: [HG] new member's intro
In a message dated 10/3/02 6:32:04 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
n5ink _at_ mindspring.com writes:
My name is George Bitzer and I live in Medford, New York, a
town on Long
Island located about 50 miles east of New York City. Until
five years ago, I made my living as a prefessional musician.
I had been doing this for twenty-seven years. As some of
you may know, earning a living as a musician is either feast
or famine.
Hi George and welcome to the HG List. I live in central New Jersey so we
are almost neighbors. My love of the hurdy gurdy began around 1984 and
about three years ago the selling of my parents' house gave me the money
to finally realize my dream of owning a hurdy gurdy. I finally received
it this past June and am still trying to teach myself how to play it. I
haven't been able to find any HG players in the area, at least not in New
Jersey. What makes playing with others a little more difficult is that I
had mine set up D/G as I play in a celtic music band and a lot of tunes
and songs we play are in D and D minor.
I've been involved in some SCA events, but have never been to the Pennsic
Wars. As a duo about 15 years ago we performed during the feast of a
local SCA coronation.
Glad to see someone very close has joined the ranks.
Jake Conte
__
Castle Keep on mp3: www.mp3.com/castlekeep
English, Irish, Scottish and Welsh folk songs in a progressive style.
Castle Keep AOL web site:
http://members.aol.com/diskjakey/page2/index.htm
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Date: Sun, 06 Oct 2002 23:21:57 +0200
From: Simon Wascher <simon.wascher _at_ chello.at>
Subject: Re: [HG] Lyrniki
Hello,
Henry Boucher wrote:
> On the Ukranian/Russian Lira the keys are equally spaced
I looked at the photos of lira players at the URL you gave and also at
thouse in the Broecker book (second edition).
There are some instruments from that area which show equally spaced
keyslides others do not. From the pictures which show players, I cannot
see one which shows enough keys that it seems to be possible to figure
out a scale.
In the broecker book there are some pictures which show instruments with
open keybox and in this cases the (large) tangents are bend in a way
that changes about 'equally spaced' keyslides (there are sometimes
noticeable minor changes in the spacing, but nothing as 'usual') into
some scale with steps of different sizes. When working on this pictures
in detail someone may try an first hypothesis of the sounding pitches,
from first sight I do not want to try a guess.
Most instruments have ten or eleven keys, should make eleven to twelve
notes, spread over more than one octave.
Having the keyboard of a nyckelharpa in mind, one should be open for the
idea that in the lower area of the keyboard minor and major pitch are
included within the same row of keys.
The second aproach is to look at the music examples given in the book,
following notes appear in the transcriptions of different tunes by
different players:
'Hopak'
c' d' e' f' g' a' bb' c'' drones in c and F (diatonic F major)
'Cersz pole syrokeje'
d'' e'' f'' g'' a'' bb'' drones in a and d (part of diatonic d minor)
'Ach, usly, moji lita'
d'' e'' f'' g'' a'' bb'' no drone given (part of diatonic d minor)
'Bednye pticy'
eb' f' g' ab' bb' c'' drone in eb' (part of diatonic eb major)
regards,
Simon Wascher - Vienna, Austria
--
... , aus zeitmangel und infolge widriger verhaeltnisse verlaesst die
mehrzahl der menschen diese welt, ohne ueber sie nachgedacht zu haben.
Einigen wiederum, die das zu tun versuchen, wird schwindelig, und sie
beschaeftigen sich mit etwas anderem.
Stanislaw Lem, Hundertsiebenunddreissig Sekunden
http://members.chello.at/simon.wascher/
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Date: Sun, 6 Oct 2002 20:21:32 EDT
From: DISKJAKEY _at_ aol.com
Subject: [HG] Hurdy gurdy strap
I know this was discuused a while back. I recently bought a hurdy gurdy
and had a short lesson two weeks ago. While standing he used two guitar
straps (one around his waist and one over his shoulder. My hg came with
built-in strap locks because of the added weight of electronics and
built-in tuner. It also has geared tuning machine pegs. The strap is a
black nylon web material with strap locks. I would like to get another
one to be used over the shoulder for playing standing up.
Where can I attach the over-the-shoulder strap and is it possible to sew
or attach it to the other strap? Any recommendations would be
appreciated.
Jake Conte
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Date: Sun, 6 Oct 2002 23:12:46 EDT
From: RJNA _at_ aol.com
Subject: Re: [HG] new member's intro
I live in Connecticut but work in New York City, and play in the Mannes Early
Music Collegium, an adult education class taught by Grant Herreid. I play
mostly recorder and Renaissance flute, but I think there is a hurdy gurdy
moment for me in this fall's music. Our concert is December 16.
My hg is a Kelischek kit that my husband put together and modified so that
the tuning machines now have wooden heads and he made a little four-sided
wooden box to hide the mechanisms.
I've run into a few hurdy gurdy players in New York City, Tom Zajac plays in
concerts with Piffaro and Ex Umbris, Mauricio Molina plays with Ensemble
Seicento.
Welcome to the world of hurdy gurdies! At one of our Mannes concerts I was
introduced as the "hurdy gurdy of death" and the name sort of stuck despite
the fact that since "Ad Mortem Festinamus" I've played a LOT of bransles.
Rebecca Arkenberg, the hurdy gurdy of death
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Date: Mon, 7 Oct 2002 00:40:42 EDT
From: Cruikshank44 _at_ aol.com
Subject: [HG] digits
You sprained your thumb? Ooh, how irritating. I hope it gets better
really fast.
I'm so envious of you all being at the festival! I'm having a great time
on tour but... I'm sure looking forward to next year when I can join in
the fun at OTW.
Felicia.
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Date: Mon, 7 Oct 2002 11:38:4 -0700
From: Joanne Andrus <joaand _at_ earthlink.net>
Subject: [HG] OTW lost & found
If you lost your jacket at OTW please let me know. One has been found.
Joanne
--- Joanne Andrus
--- joaand _at_ earthlink.net
--- EarthLink: The #1 provider of the Real Internet.
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Date: Mon, 07 Oct 2002 15:32:53 -0700
From: Anna Peekstok <apeekstok _at_ attbi.com>
Subject: [HG] More OTW Photos
Hi all, just a note to say I've posted some more photos of the OTW festival
on the OTW site. There are yet more to come, I'll let you know when they're
up, but in the meantime see:
http://www.overthewater.org/2002/
Cheers,
Anna Peekstok
(And yes, Felicia, I sprained my right thumb, catching a frisbee, one week
before the festival. Do I win the stupid injury/bad timing award?)
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Date: Tue, 8 Oct 2002 14:19:31 +0930
From: "Castle, Nigel" <NCastle _at_ workcover.com>
Subject: RE: [HG] More OTW Photos
It looks like everyone had a great time at OTW. One year I will definitely
have to save up and go - it's a somewhat longer trip for me than for most.
Nigel Castle
Adelaide, South Australia
PS: Who's the cute girl not called "Toto" in the red & white striped top? I
think I'm in love! :) :)
[Private email - no legal disclaimer appended]
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Date: Tue, 8 Oct 2002 07:27:52 +0200 (CEST)
From: marcello bono <lyra_mendicorum _at_ yahoo.it>
Subject: RE: [HG] More OTW Photos
--- "Castle, Nigel" <NCastle _at_ workcover.com> wrote:
> PS: Who's the cute girl not called "Toto" in the red
> & white striped top? I
> think I'm in love! :)
No time for love....she's practising :o)
=====
Marcello Bono
Bologna-Italy
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Date: Tue, 8 Oct 2002 10:54:23 -0500
From: "Smishkewych, Wolodymyr" <wjsmishk _at_ indiana.edu>
Subject: [HG] RE: [HG] D�lignit for wheels ,
Hi Henry and all-
I wonder--it looks as though these would be the 2 best choices (in order of
quality, best first)
Delignit� Fineply D8, F1
Panels of homogeneous texture made from particulary thin beech veneers of
selected quality. For high requirements on smooth, clean edges and contours.
Veneer thickness:
0.2 - 0.8 mm = 0.008" to 0.032"
Thicknesses:
F1: 1.0,1.2,1.5,2.0,2.5,3.0,3.5,4.0,5.0 mm
D8: 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 18, 20,
25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60 mm
Size:
1250 x 1250 mm
---------------------
Delignit� Pattern Making Wood
A high grade material for pattern making. Two first layers on either side bonded
parallel to each other. All layers of selected quality.
Veneer thickness: 1.6mm = 0.063"
Thicknesses: 15, 18, 20, 25,
30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80 mm
Size: 2150 x 1220 mm ( 84-5/8" x 48" )
(I think the first one would be the best choice).
Cheers,
Vlad
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Wolodymyr Joseph Smishkewych
Departmental Administrative Assistant
Department of Voice
Indiana University School of Music
Merrill Hall 105
Bloomington, IN 47401
Tel: +1 (812) 855 2057
Fax: +1 (812) 855 4936
voicedep _at_ indiana.edu
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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Date: Tue, 08 Oct 2002 22:40:48 -0400
From: Matthew Szostak <gurdy _at_ midcoast.com>
Subject: [HG] East coast player's workshop?
Hi all-
Sounds like everyone had a great time at the festival.
There's been some postings since from some east coasters about getting
together to play, so I thought I'd write this...
RT Taylor (perhaps some of you have heard of him?) may be coming east to
Boston, and he's willing, with the help of Nina Bohlen, to entertain us
with another 2-day player's workshop in November. It might be a bit soon
for some of you, but would anyone out there be interested in attending? If
so, there are a couple of dates available, and if it looks promising, we
can pick a date which satisfies the most people. The possibilities at this
point in time are November 16-17, or November 23-24.
If anyone is interested, please reply to me off-list, so we can get the
ball rolling...
~ Matt
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Matthew Szostak - Hurdy-Gurdies
7 Grove Street
Camden, Maine 04843
phone: 207-236-9576
email: gurdy _at_ midcoast.com
website: http://www.midcoast.com/~beechhil/vielle
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Date: Wed, 09 Oct 2002 12:51:13 +0200
From: Xtof <chriscyb _at_ noos.fr>
Subject: Re: [HG] More OTW Photos
Anna Peekstok a �crit :
> Hi all, just a note to say I've posted some more photos of the OTW festival
> on the OTW site. There are yet more to come, I'll let you know when they're
> up, but in the meantime see:
>
> http://www.overthewater.org/2002/
>
> Cheers,
> Anna Peekstok
>
> (And yes, Felicia, I sprained my right thumb, catching a frisbee, one week
> before the festival. Do I win the stupid injury/bad timing award?)
Good grief!
Er... I look horrible... as always.
But I look worse in real life, which reassures me quite abit.... :o/
I also wanted to say that I am back to Paris (snif)!!!
I hope you are all doing well!!! Many thanks again!!!
Christophe T.
_______________________________________
' Carpe diem, dum vivis ! '
chriscyb _at_ noos.fr
pranguli _at_ yahoo.fr
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Date: Wed, 09 Oct 2002 13:29:57 -0700
From: Rachael Kenoyer <miz_rubylou _at_ hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: [HG] More OTW Photos
Xtof <chriscyb _at_ noos.fr> wrote:
>Er... I look horrible... as always.
>
>But I look worse in real life, which reassures me quite abit.... :o/
As we say in my part of the world, Christophe: that's a bunch of baloney.
You're perfectly splendid. Besides, photographs aren't the best indicator of
how somebody actually looks---there's too many aspects of people's
appearances that are difficult to capture accurately on film. That's why
good photography is such an art.
And I dare you to find somebody on this list who thinks you should be living
in the bell towers of Notre-Dame! ;)
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Date: Thu, 10 Oct 2002 10:30:50 +0200 (CEST)
From: marcello bono <lyra_mendicorum _at_ yahoo.it>
Subject: [HG] greetings from bologna
Hi there
Just to say that your friend Marcello is safe at home,
writing from his preferred mall since his PC is NOT
WORKING yet.
...and it's raining a lot too....
My warmest hugs to all of the OTW people, I miss you
=====
Marcello Bono
Bologna-Italy
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Date: Thu, 10 Oct 2002 18:59:35 +0200
From: Xtof <chriscyb _at_ noos.fr>
Subject: Re: [HG] More OTW Photos
Rachael Kenoyer a �crit :
> Xtof <chriscyb _at_ noos.fr> wrote:
>
> >Er... I look horrible... as always.
> >
> >But I look worse in real life, which reassures me quite abit.... :o/
>
> As we say in my part of the world, Christophe: that's a bunch of baloney.
> You're perfectly splendid. Besides, photographs aren't the best indicator of
> how somebody actually looks---there's too many aspects of people's
> appearances that are difficult to capture accurately on film. That's why
> good photography is such an art.
>
> And I dare you to find somebody on this list who thinks you should be living
> in the bell towers of Notre-Dame! ;)
Hehehe!
I live under a famous bridge, actually: le Pont-Neuf!! :o)
Thank you for your compliments, anyway, Rachel!
As soon as my "snapshots" are developed, I will scan them! And you will see!
Hehehe! ;o)
I have some good pictures of RT, Gilles and Marcello, of course! ;oP
Hugs to the OTW people too, as Marcello said - sorry for repeating your words,
Marcello! Send me your copyright bill!
Take care, you all!
Xtophe
_______________________________________
' Carpe diem, dum vivis ! '
chriscyb _at_ noos.fr
pranguli _at_ yahoo.fr
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Date: Thu, 10 Oct 2002 23:12:56 -0700
From: R. T. Taylor <shangrilart _at_ earthlink.net>
Subject: Re: [HG] OTW lost & found
I am missing a blue windbreaker.
Is that what you might have found.
I also could have left it in L.A.
r.t.
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Date: 10 Oct 2002 23:42:00 -0700
From: Dina Hartzell <dina _at_ spiritone.com>
Subject: [HG] Hehehe
>
>Hehehe!
Christophe, was that a French hehehe? or an American one?
-Dina
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Date: 10 Oct 2002 23:42:58 -0700
From: Dina Hartzell <dina _at_ spiritone.com>
Subject: Re: [HG] greetings from bologna
Hi Marcello,
I miss you, and everyone, too. It was a delight being in your
classes! And playing around with you and some spoons/bones in the
kitchen. Now you, too can say you were "in the kitchen with Dina" as
the song goes...
It should be raining here in Portland, but it's not, and I have
beautiful figs on my fig tree for the first time this year! And oh,
how I adore fresh figs!!!!
I just got my crank back from Alden and Cali, so I'm able to practice now.
I suppose that means that I too will have no time for love? :-)
I'm sure it has already been said that it's hard to love "cranky" people...
-Dina
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Date: Fri, 11 Oct 2002 06:09:54 -0700 (PDT)
From: Roy Trotter <rtlhf _at_ yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: [HG] greetings from bologna
--- Dina Hartzell <dina _at_ spiritone.com> wrote:
> I suppose that means that I too will have no time for love? :-)
Love is the consolation prize for people that can't have a hurdy gurdy.
;->> (smirk with goatee)
> I'm sure it has already been said that it's hard to love "cranky"
> people...
That's pretty much my biography in a nutshell: I played the guitar in
my teens and was known as a fretful youth. Now as a viell'ist, I'm
(perhaps to rapidly) becoming a cranky old man.
Roy T.
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Date: Fri, 11 Oct 2002 11:18:11 -0400
From: Tobie Miller <recorderist _at_ hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: [HG] greetings from bologna
Hi guys,
I just wanted to say that I miss all of you too... And it's raining here.
We've been having the weirdest weather. When I got back it was so hot that
I wanted my shorts - but they were in my suitcase which was lost by the
airline (I got it back). A few days later I needed my mittens. Now it is
dark and cold. Except in a month this will seem warm, because then it will
really be cold. Grrrr.
Dina, how does the rest of that song go? I was trying to remember it the
other day because I got my photos and there were many of the kitchen band
(and one of you wearing an apron and playing the spoons... which prompted me
to think of that song), and neither me nor my roomate could figure it out.
I should have access to a scanner this weekend, so I'll be able to send
photos! Marcello, I have you and the funny yellow noise-makers captured on
film :)
In answer to recent posts, I must state that yes, I am practising too much
for love. (But not too much to be very, very amused by certain
discussions!)
Hugs to all,
Tobie
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Date: 11 Oct 2002 08:59:57 -0700
From: Dina Hartzell <dina _at_ spiritone.com>
Subject: Re: [HG] greetings from bologna
>--- Dina Hartzell <dina _at_ spiritone.com> wrote:
>
> > I suppose that means that I too will have no time for love? :-)
>
>Love is the consolation prize for people that can't have a hurdy gurdy.
>;->> (smirk with goatee)
Roy, here's my brazen smile to your goateed smirk:
/ \
\ O /
V V
) (
( v )
\|/
V
(goddess e-art by my friend and "oriental" dancer, Melissa Miller, aka Ghanima)
Gee, in this context, she actually LOOKS like a hurdy gurdy..... :-)
Nice thought that if both women and men spend time on cranking up the
Feminine, and helping her sing, we might actually end up with more
music AND more love in the world!
Love (and music) to all, Dina
PS And then there's dancing...but perhaps that would be taking it too
far...what do you think, Marcello?
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Date: Fri, 11 Oct 2002 12:37:23 -0700
From: SB/JW <duodrone _at_ earthlink.net>
Subject: Re: [HG] greetings from bologna
>
>
>Dina, how does the rest of that song go? I was trying to remember
>it the other day because I got my photos and there were many of the
>kitchen band (and one of you wearing an apron and playing the
>spoons... which prompted me to think of that song), and neither me
>nor my roomate could figure it out.
I think the song in question is 'Has Anybody Seen My Gal'. you can
find the lyrics (and music) here:
http://www.smickandsmodoo.com/aaa/lyrics/gal.htm
Juan
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Date: Fri, 11 Oct 2002 13:48:17 -0700
From: Alden & Cali Hackmann <hurdy _at_ silverlink.net>
Subject: Re: [HG] greetings from bologna
Dear Juan et al,
I think that the song is instead------I've been workin on the
railroad. The URL with the lyrics
is: http://www.contemplator.com/folk2/railroad.html
:-)----Cali
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Date: Sat, 12 Oct 2002 12:18:35 EDT
From: DISKJAKEY _at_ aol.com
Subject: Re: [HG] greetings from bologna
In a message dated 10/11/02 12:03:04 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
dina _at_ spiritone.com writes:
Gee, in this context, she actually LOOKS like a hurdy
gurdy..... :-)
Or dulcimer, or a woman with her arms raised up :-)
I can drive psychologists bonkers with those ink blotch tests
Jake
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Date: Sat, 12 Oct 2002 13:31:57 EDT
From: Cruikshank44 _at_ aol.com
Subject: Re: [HG] greetings from bologna
In a message dated 10/11/02 12:44:43 AM, dina _at_ spiritone.com writes:
I'm sure it has already been said that it's hard to love
"cranky" people..
Boy am I in trouble (again) if this is true!
Felicia.
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Date: 12 Oct 2002 19:40:11 -0700
From: Dina Hartzell <dina _at_ spiritone.com>
Subject: Re: [HG] greetings from bologna
>
>
>I can drive psychologists bonkers with those ink blotch tests
Jake,
Fair warning: be careful who you call an ink blotch! Goddesses and
vielles are known to take revenge when they are not properly
appreciated.... ;-)
-Dina
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Date: Sun, 13 Oct 2002 00:26:35 EDT
From: DISKJAKEY _at_ aol.com
Subject: Re: [HG] greetings from bologna
In a message dated 10/12/02 10:42:28 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
dina _at_ spiritone.com writes:
Fair warning: be careful who you call an ink blotch!
Dear Dina,
Ir's not WHO I call an ink blotch, the ink blotch is actually a WHAT :-)
Jake: also was a fretful young man, now looking forward to being
"cranky."
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Date: Sun, 13 Oct 2002 01:30:41 -0700
From: R. T. Taylor <shangrilart _at_ earthlink.net>
Subject: [HG] Fete de Vielle in Pontoise
Each year there is usually a Fete de Vielle in Pontoise just outside of
Paris about this time of year.
Does anyone have any information about it, contact information etc?
Merci
r.t.
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Date: Sun, 13 Oct 2002 07:40:38 EDT
From: Maxoubbn _at_ aol.com
Subject: Re: [HG] Fete de Vielle in Pontoise
Hi !
You missed it : it was yesterday, and today (12, 13 october), with DCA
and others...
Maxou
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Date: Sun, 13 Oct 2002 09:25:33 -0700 (PDT)
From: Roy Trotter <rtlhf _at_ yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: [HG] Gurdy Mysticism
--- Dina Hartzell <dina _at_ spiritone.com> wrote:
> >--- Dina Hartzell <dina _at_ spiritone.com> wrote:
> Gee, in this context, she actually LOOKS like a hurdy gurdy..... :-)
Ur, er, Maybe it's time for a rethink. Can I meet her?
>
> Nice thought that if both women and men spend time on cranking up the
> Feminine ...
I must quibble with this on Metaphyical grounds (Since we're here
anyway). The turning of the wheel, of the world, of the 4 seasons (Fem,
Masc, Animal and Spirit) represents the Whole (greater than the sum,
etc). So you really can't crank up the Feminine without cranking up the
Masculine and the Spirit and the Animal. All parts are equal, and if
not you need your wheel scraped. <g>
However I concede the point on the Goddess metaphor. I frequently refer
to Herself as such. ...And I pray to her, moreso lately since seeing
Gilles with his coup de huit.
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Date: Sun, 13 Oct 2002 09:32:15 -0700 (PDT)
From: Roy Trotter <rtlhf _at_ yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: [HG] WAS: Gurdy Mysticism, NOW: oops!
Forgot to sign out, here it is:
"xoxoxoxox
Roy T."
Thanks for your patience,
Roy T.
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Date: Sun, 13 Oct 2002 13:23:19 EDT
From: Cruikshank44 _at_ aol.com
Subject: Re: [HG] Gurdy Mysticism
I always thought of it as the wheel/circle/feminine and the
string/straight line/masculine working together to create the opposite of
silence/death/space, sound/life/earth. So that's four things too, and
the fem/masc working together in equality. I can't sayit very well but
there was also the thought that two kinds of relating to time were
involved, as well- the circular, seasonal thing that repeats forever and
the linear, only-once kind of time. One without the other is either dull
or dangerous, or both. And of course timing with the gurdy's chien is
critical! Chaos or lyriciscm, depending on, well, everything working
together.
Whew. How about some ink blots now?
Felicia.
PS Missed you at the festival in Texas, Roy- but you didn't miss a whole
lot! Cowboys in kilts... We had fun, though.
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Date: Mon, 14 Oct 2002 00:27:34 -0400
From: Tobie Miller <recorderist _at_ hotmail.com>
Subject: [HG] Photos!!!!
I've posted some of the photos I took at OTW at the following:
www.angelfire.com/pokemon2/trippictures
They're posted in reverse order... sorry, I was relying on the computer
skills of someone else, and he wasn't so concerned with chronology...
Tobie
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Date: Mon, 14 Oct 2002 00:32:09 -0400
From: Tobie Miller <recorderist _at_ hotmail.com>
Subject: [HG] random
random order, actually...
t.
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Date: Mon, 14 Oct 2002 08:18:17 -0400
From: Judith Lindenau <judith _at_ taar.com>
Subject: RE: [HG] Photos!!!!
Goodness! What a happy group of people we were!
Thanks, Tobie, for those great photos.
judith
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Date: Mon, 14 Oct 2002 07:57:27 -0700
From: "Roe, Katie" <Katie.Roe _at_ wizards.com>
Subject: RE: [HG] Gurdy Mysticism
Whew. How about some ink blots now?
Gheez, with all this talk about ink blots I am getting anxious to get my
new gurdy 8-). Why you ask? Because my new instrument is named
Rorschach, founder of the ink blot tests. Why would I name it Rorschach?
Well, the back looks like one. (Personally I see an warrior or sometimes
a dragon.) When it is done, there will be pictures, I promise!
So Felicia, what do you see in my instrument's back?
Katie Roe
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Date: Mon, 14 Oct 2002 13:45:32 EDT
From: Cruikshank44 _at_ aol.com
Subject: Re: [HG] Gurdy Mysticism
Hi, Katie-
Next time at the Hackmans I'll take a look and let you know- if it's not
too embarrassing...
F.
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Date: Mon, 14 Oct 2002 17:54:09 EDT
From: DISKJAKEY _at_ aol.com
Subject: Re: [HG] Gurdy Mysticism
In a message dated 10/14/02 10:57:44 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
Katie.Roe _at_ wizards.com writes:
Katie (who sees pictures on the back of her hurdy gurdy) asks:
So Felicia, what do you see in my instrument's back?
Felicia, if you need help in sedating Katie just give a holler. They do
great work at the Institute for these kinds of *problems.*
Cali, did you see any pictures on the back of my hurdy gurdy?
Name witheld
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Date: Mon, 14 Oct 2002 21:02:46 EDT
From: Cruikshank44 _at_ aol.com
Subject: Re: [HG] Gurdy Mysticism
Wait till you see this gorgeous back of a gurdy! You'll see pictures,
too.
Name also withheld but actually it's
Felicia.
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Date: Tue, 15 Oct 2002 14:39:17 -0700 (PDT)
From: Alden Hackmann <darkstar _at_ u.washington.edu>
Subject: Re: [HG] Hurdy gurdy strap
Jake -
There are a number of ways to attach the second strap. The typical (or
"traditional") method is to have special strap made which connects to the
first strap at right angles, in the region of the lower right part of your
back. It goes over the right shoulder, under the tailpiece, and attaches
to the third strap button - in your case, the endpin jack.
This method works quite well with the luteback design. For the
Volksgurdy, it works fine for some people, and not so well for others
(like me).
Some players use a system of two straps that both attach to the head, and
go to the two buttons on the tail.
Hope that helps,
Alden
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Date: Wed, 16 Oct 2002 10:38:06 -0700
From: PenPen Cloud <pennycloud _at_ hotmail.com>
Subject: [HG] OTW photos
Hi Tobie, very fun photos! Thank you! Penny
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Date: Wed, 16 Oct 2002 13:07:51 -0500
From: "Smishkewych, Wolodymyr" <wjsmishk _at_ indiana.edu>
Subject: RE: [HG] Hurdy gurdy strap
Thanks for the advice on the strap placement--but what to do if you have only
2 buttons, one endpin and one tail?
Thanks,
Vlad
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Wolodymyr Joseph Smishkewych
Departmental Administrative Assistant
Department of Voice
Indiana University School of Music
Merrill Hall 105
Bloomington, IN 47401
Tel: +1 (812) 855 2057
Fax: +1 (812) 855 4936
voicedep _at_ indiana.edu
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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Date: Thu, 17 Oct 2002 00:07:48 -0700
From: Henry Boucher <boite _at_ sympatico.ca>
Subject: Re: [HG] Hurdy gurdy strap
My situation exactly : I have sewn two buttons on the belt strap
and tie the shoulder strap on it , it works .
Henry Boucher
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Date: Wed, 16 Oct 2002 23:35:00 -0500
From: Wolodymyr Joseph Smishkewych <wjsmishk _at_ indiana.edu>
Subject: Re: [HG] Hurdy gurdy strap
Henry--that's a great idea! do you sew them right behind the place where
the leather end attaches to the nylon? (assuming we are both using these
not-so-expensive nylon webbing straps with leather ends.)
thanks,
Vlad
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Date: Thu, 17 Oct 2002 00:52:32 -0700
From: Henry Boucher <boite _at_ sympatico.ca>
Subject: Re: [HG] Hurdy gurdy strap
Exactly the same location , the belt strap is and old drum bandoler
actually made from a leather guitar strap , the buttons are metal
military type . The shoulder strap is half of a pair of large old
pants suspenders that does not stretch animore
( recycling is my main hobby <g>)
Henry
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Date: Thu, 17 Oct 2002 09:21:39 -0500
From: "Smishkewych, Wolodymyr" <wjsmishk _at_ indiana.edu>
Subject: RE: [HG] Hurdy gurdy strap
Brilliant henry! and thanks-
much of the wood in my shop is also recycled, or better phrased,
"reclaimed". i'd love to build a HG someday that can claim 100%
reclaimed materials as its composition! c'est possible songer, non?
Vlad
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Date: Thu, 17 Oct 2002 10:54:59 -0700
From: Henry Boucher <boite _at_ sympatico.ca>
Subject: Re: [HG] Hurdy gurdy strap
My Flemish gurdy has a few parts from a recycled Yellow birch stair step
( 50 years old ) the rest is leftovers from house remodelling ( like the Finnish
ply back ) the Sitka top is a leftover from a boat mast .
By the way , is somebody on this list living in Belgium or Holland
and still in contact with Herman Dewit ? I sometime have request for
a copy of his plan and I do not know what is the right thing to do .
I would rather tell everybody to buy the plan from him.
Henry
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Date: Thu, 17 Oct 2002 17:12:48 +0200
From: Lauwers.P <Lauwers.P _at_ itc.mil.be>
Subject: RE: [HG] Hurdy gurdy strap
Henry,
Try the following:
003254566439
or
volksmuziekgilde _at_ planetinternet.be
If that doesn't work I can always try to contact him myself. I'm following
the HG lessons at the Gooik academy and Herman teaches there.
Pieter
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Date: Thu, 17 Oct 2002 12:19:04 EDT
From: DISKJAKEY _at_ aol.com
Subject: Re: [HG] Hurdy gurdy strap
Because of the added weight of the built-in electronics and tuner, my
hurdy gurdy strap came with attached strap locks. I have recently bought
another similar (black nylon webbing) strap (but without strap locks) and
want to somehow attach them together, Should I use the strap with the
strap locks as the one around my waist or around my neck? Which would
offer more security?
I am assuming that it is best to use the strap with the strap locks
around my waist, n'est pa? And attach buttons as Henry suggested?
Please help a new player.
Jake Conte
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Date: Thu, 17 Oct 2002 09:15:25 -0700
From: Joan D'Andrea <jeepstr42 _at_ hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: [HG] Hurdy gurdy strap
HI. Mine is a lot like the suspenders recycle :-). Instesd of the
suspenders I bought some belt material from the local canvas shop. I
also got the clips and sliders for the ends there. You need a square of
leather for the center that goes between your shoulders and the ends that
attach to the gurdy buttons. The two sliders straps are made just like
ordinary guitar straps. The two cross in the back and are fed through
four slots, two for each strap, cut in the leather back square. The
leather square keeps the whole thing from shifting around. The whole
thing forms a figure eight you put on, one arm in each half and the ends
go to the buttons. You really need a second person to help you out when
you fit it to yourself as it is a matter of trying and sliding the straps
untill you get the right fit and that is a lot easier with a person
behind you while you hold the HG in front. The leather for the tabs
should b! ! e flexible. If you are interested let me know and I will
send you a drawing of mine. It cost lme about $5.00 for the materials
and that included the used handbag I got at the Thrift store ( materials
for the back square and the button tabs.) I made mine for my Autoharp,
but a little adjusting would create one for the gurdy. I suggest that
since the gurdy is lighter weight I a lighter weight belting would do
fine and be even less expensive and easier to work with. You need to sew
the tabs on so a machine or elbow grease are needed. I don't really know
how useful the thing is for the average Gurdy player who sits all the
time, but for the person who wants to play standing or dancing it should
be very useful especially since the Breton dances are often hands free.
As far as Autoharp goes, the strap is indispensible. The AH is a
heavy beast that has to be played high in order for the player to reach!
! around the pegs, sitting or standing the slider is terrific and
actually makes the AH almost comfortable to play. Notice I said ALMOST.
. As far as the HG goes, you can adjust the straps so they allow the
gurdy to be carried high like an Autoharp, but high or low I think you
still need a strap around your lower or mid back, depending on where you
wear the Gurdy when standing, to keep it from flopping around. If you
want a commertial one, they are sold in some music stores for Autoharps
and guitars. They are around $30.00 and are called The Slider. I haven't
seen them in light weight material. Pat has one in 3" straping and I
think she plaid $32.00. Joan
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Date: 17 Oct 2002 10:31:31 -0700
From: Dina Hartzell <dina _at_ spiritone.com>
Subject: Re: [HG] tune source
Sorry, Joan, I just passed it on untested--and now I can't even
remember who sent it to me....
-Dina
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Date: Thu, 17 Oct 2002 13:22:07 -0700
From: Alden & Cali Hackmann <hurdy _at_ silverlink.net>
Subject: Re: [HG] Hurdy gurdy strap
Jake -
Any strap additions you do should retain the strap around your back as the
one with the strap locks.
Bon chance!
Alden
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Date: Thu, 17 Oct 2002 15:33:22 -0500
From: "Smishkewych, Wolodymyr" <wjsmishk _at_ indiana.edu>
Subject: RE: [HG] Hurdy gurdy strap
Henry--
You are an inspiration! No more dallying on that project for me...
(tho Arle, if you're there, you know how high that rates on the reality scale.) ;^)
Joan--a drawing of the strap system you describe would be great. Do you
have anything sendable or postable?
Thanks,
Vlad
-----Original Message-----
From: Henry Boucher [mailto:boite _at_ sympatico.ca]
Sent: Thursday, October 17, 2002 12:55 PM
Subject: Re: [HG] Hurdy gurdy strap
My Flemish gurdy has a few parts from a recycled Yellow birch stair step
( 50 years old ) the rest is leftovers from house remodelling ( like the Finnish
ply back ) the Sitka top is a leftover from a boat mast .
By the way , is somebody on this list living in Belgium or Holland
and still in contact with Herman Dewit ? I sometime have request for
a copy of his plan and I do not know what is the right thing to do .
I would rather tell everybody to buy the plan from him.
Henry
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Date: Thu, 17 Oct 2002 15:35:35 -0500
From: "Smishkewych, Wolodymyr" <wjsmishk _at_ indiana.edu>
Subject: RE: [HG] Hurdy gurdy strap
Hi all-
By strap locks does that mean those little metal or whatever material
gizmos that look like a letter "I" with the serifs bent downward so
there's only a gap left in the middle? Viz.:
_ _
| | |
| | |
|
| | |
|_|_|
they often come with baby car seats. Where can I get these? A guitar
store, by the straps?
Vlad
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Date: Thu, 17 Oct 2002 18:31:00 -0700
From: Henry Boucher <boite _at_ sympatico.ca>
Subject: Re: [HG] Hurdy gurdy strap
My uneducated guess is that you should take a few minutes and
evaluate the situation , my HG is home made , if a part breaks I just
make
a new one , if your instrument has �lectronic system in it, I guess that
it
has some $$ value , probably the the best choice is to have the proper
strap
attachement installed by a qualified luthier and the proper strap made
by a good shoemaker .
I love recycling but recycling must add value to things , not make
cheap repairs out of valuable things.
Henry
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Date: Thu, 17 Oct 2002 22:21:41 EDT
From: DISKJAKEY _at_ aol.com
Subject: Re: [HG] Hurdy gurdy strap
Not sure of your drawing, Vlad, but strap locks can be bought at probably
any musical instrument shop. Yes, they are intended primarily for
guitars.
Jake
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Date: Thu, 17 Oct 2002 22:31:16 -0700
From: Henry Boucher <boite _at_ sympatico.ca>
Subject: Re: [HG] Hurdy gurdy strap
They look like this
( excuse me for the publicity )
http://www.elderly.com/accessories/items/SL3N.htm
Henry
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Date: Thu, 17 Oct 2002 22:33:28 -0700
From: Henry Boucher <boite _at_ sympatico.ca>
Subject: [HG] straplocks
this picture is better
http://www.bostonmupro.com/138.htm
Henry
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Date: Mon, 21 Oct 2002 23:23:25 -0700
From: R. T. Taylor <shangrilart _at_ earthlink.net>
Subject: Re: [HG] Photos!!!!
Hey they are great photos.
Are you going to be able to make it to our Boston workshop?
I hope so. You will have a great time and learn a lot. The stuff is at a
higher level than the classes that I taught at OTW. But you are a very good
musician and I know that you will have fun learning this stuff and of course
joining in our nightly jam session.
Hope to see you soon.
r.t.
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Date: Mon, 21 Oct 2002 23:30:38 -0700
From: R. T. Taylor <shangrilart _at_ earthlink.net>
Subject: Re: [HG] Photos!!!!
Sorry for the group post.
It was ment for Tobi
r.t.
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Date: Tue, 22 Oct 2002 05:49:27 -0700 (PDT)
From: Dennis Sherman <dennis_sherman _at_ yahoo.com>
Subject: [HG] swedish hurdy-gurdy maker
I haven't seen this link anywhere before
http://www.algonet.se/~per-ulf/leif/
There isn't a lot of information there, but photos of
half a dozen instruments and contact info.
=====
--
Dennis Sherman Chicago, IL
dennis_sherman _at_ sherman-erickson.org
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Date: Tue, 22 Oct 2002 08:00:53 -0700 (PDT)
From: David Smith <dtsmithnet _at_ yahoo.com>
Subject: [HG] Songs of the French Sailors
Hello,
I recently stumbled across an interesting article
titled "Songs of the French Sailors". There is an
interesting historical photo and description of a
vielle played by one of the sailors. You can access
the article and photo by going to the following link:
http://www.mustrad.org.uk/articles/french.htm
=====
David Smith
Dearborn, Michigan USA
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Date: Tue, 22 Oct 2002 11:25:13 -0400
From: Matthew Szostak <gurdy _at_ midcoast.com>
Subject: [HG] RT in Boston
RT's mistaken group posting is a perfect plug! Did you do it on purpose, RT?
We have a definite date for his Boston area workshop: November 16-17. If
anyone who I haven't heard from would like to come, please email me off
list for more details.
Last spring, I was asked to add Finbarr Phelan (is that spelled correctly?)
to my list of east coast players. When I tried the email address, it
didn't work, and I can't find any other contact information for him. Are
you here, Finbarr, or does anyone else have a valid email address or phone
number for him?
~ Matt
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Matthew Szostak - Hurdy-Gurdies
7 Grove Street
Camden, Maine 04843
phone: 207-236-9576
email: gurdy _at_ midcoast.com
website: http://www.midcoast.com/~beechhil/vielle
--------------------------------------------------------------------
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Date: Tue, 22 Oct 2002 12:35:29 -0500
From: Erik Erickson <woodhous _at_ acegroup.cc>
Subject: [HG] Into and some Info
Hi to all,
My name is Erik Erickson which seems to clasify me as being of nordic
extraction. My introduction to the hurdy gurdy came via the Nordic
Roots Festival held since 1999 in Minneapolis. This festival features
music from the nodic countries which ranges from traditional to a very
contemporary techno-folk (whatever that may mean to anyone). At the
first festival Totte Mattson from the group 'Hedningarna' and Stefan
Brisland-Ferner of 'Garmarna' apparently got into a discussion at the
host hotel about the possibilities of doing a 'Hurdy-Gurdy Project'
based on what might be possible if the two of them were to collaborate
with the idea of producing a concert featuring the HG.
Last year (2001) they presented a midnight concert feturing duo-HG on
music that my wife described as a fascinating and mystic cross between
1st century nordic-mystic-heathenism with touches of classical
swedish/finnish folk music and a touch of 'the very grateful
not-so-dead'. This year the two were back with their regular groups as
well as a special presentation of an all new "Hurdy Gurdy Project".
There is rumor that a CD might be available early next year.
If any one is interested the records of Hedningarna and Garmarna are
available from Northside Records here in the US and info on the albums
is available at their web site: http://www.noside.com Look under
artists. Information on the Nordic Roots Festival is linked at the
bottom of the home page
After the concert I had the opportunity to talk with Stefan at a
workshop he presented. My wife and I are interested in purchasing an
instrument and Stefan said that both he and Totte purchased theirs from
Leif Eriksson - the individual referenced in the recent email from
Dennis Sherman. According to Stefan, Leif is perhaps the best HG
builder in Sweden. So, I've tried to contact him at the email address
listed on his web-page (which hasn't been updated in over a year). So
far I've received no reply. My original email was in both english and
much poorer swedish just in case there would be a language problem. The
email appears to have gotten through since it didn't bounce. That was
back on September 26th. Just sent a second note the other day. Perhaps
someone else has some information. I may just end up making an
international phone call.
There are a few more HG makers in Sweden and if I manage to dig them out
of the electronic woods I'll forward the list via this list serve.
I've found some interesting music from the nordic countries including
both hurdy-gurdy (lyra) and the nickelharpa.
Now I need to find a hurdy gurdy.
Erik Erickson
SE Minnesota
http://www.algonet.se/~per-ulf/leif/
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Date: Tue, 22 Oct 2002 14:30:55 -0400
From: Judith Lindenau <judith _at_ taar.com>
Subject: RE: [HG] Into and some Info
Erik: My nyckelharpa was built by Bjorn Bjorn
who also makes hurdy gurdies. Check out
http://home.swipnet.se/bjornbjorn/bjorn/eng/instrument.htm
Judith
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Date: Tue, 22 Oct 2002 15:11:40 -0400
From: Allan Janus <allan.janus _at_ verizon.net>
Subject: [HG] Old Sarah
Well, I finally tracked down my copy of the volume of "London Labor and
the London Poor" that includes the statement of Old Sarah, the street
hurdy-gurdy player. I've scanned it, along with the statement of a
French hurdy-gurdy player, and will work at correcting the OCR errors
and posting them this evening. I also scanned the portrait of Old Sarah,
and it's available now:
http://janusmuseum.org/temp/sarah2.jpg
There's also a higher resolution version - 741kb. I'll keep it online
for a bit, until I need the web space. Feel free to download either
scan.
http://janusmuseum.org/temp/sarah.jpg
Here's a preview of Old Sarah's statement - she calls her instrument the
"cymbal" and maintains that "hurdy-gurdy" is not the right name.
Allan Janus
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Date: Tue, 22 Oct 2002 12:56:22 -0700
From: JulieR <julesong _at_ attbi.com>
Subject: [HG] slowly but surely
The stories of the festival are great to hear (and they make me jealous).
:)
I am determined. Next year, no matter what, I absolutely without question
AM going to the OTW festival. After having missed it repeatedly for the
last five years, I must go.
Last night we ordered a copy of "Making and Playing Musical Instruments" by
Jack Botermans - we managed to find a seller and it was $45. My husband
knows how much I've wanted a HG for so long, but haven't been able to afford
one, and in his typical loving fashion has been studying up on making one
for a while now. He makes a lot of things in wood, but he hasn't tried an
instrument, yet. He's been reading and re-reading Alden's pages on building
for the last few months, getting ready to give it a go. I wanted to get a
copy of "The Hurdy-gurdy - Setup and Maintenance" but Dusty Strings is out
of copies so it'll have to wait.
So. Next year, I'll be ready and I'm going. I'll probably end up using a
loaner HG during the festival, but that's okay. I'll still be there. :)
--JulieR
http://www.julesong.com/misc/hg/hurdygurdy.htm
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Date: Tue, 22 Oct 2002 14:00:51 -0700 (PDT)
From: Alden Hackmann <darkstar _at_ u.washington.edu>
Subject: Re: [HG] slowly but surely
On Tue, 22 Oct 2002, JulieR wrote:
> So. Next year, I'll be ready and I'm going. I'll probably end up using a
> loaner HG during the festival, but that's okay. I'll still be there. :)
OK!! We'll put a little "reserved" sign on a chair for you in RT's class.
;-)
Alden F.M. Hackmann darkstar _at_ u.washington.edu
Web: http://www.hurdygurdy.com/hg/hghome.html
"Beati illi qui in circulum circumeunt, fient enim magnae rotae."
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Date: Tue, 22 Oct 2002 16:03:05 -0700
From: Rachael Kenoyer <miz_rubylou _at_ hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: [HG] slowly but surely
If you (and your husband) would like to borrow my copy of "The Hurdy-Gurdy:
Set-up and Maintenance", I would be happy to loan it. That way I can meet
you faster! *laugh*
~~Rachael
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Date: Tue, 22 Oct 2002 19:45:27 -0400
From: Allan Janus <allan.janus _at_ verizon.net>
Subject: [HG] Old Sarah
LONDON LABOUR AND THE LONDON POOR
Henry Mayhew
From Volume III, Section II - Street Musicians
"OLD SARAH."
One of the most deserving and peculiar of
the street musicians was an old lady who
played upon a hurdy-gurdy. She had been
about the streets of London for upwards of
forty years, and being blind, had had during
that period four guides, and worn out three
instruments. Her cheerfulness, considering
her privation and precarious mode of life, was
extraordinary. Her love of truth, and the
extreme simplicity of her nature, were almost
childlike. Like the generality of blind people,
she had a deep sense of religion, and her
charity for a woman in her station of life was
something marvellous; for, though living on
alms, she herself had, I was told, two or three
little pensioners. When questioned on this
subject, she laughed the matter off as a jest,
though I was assured of the truth of the fact.
Her attention to her guide was most marked.
If a cap of tea was given to her after her
day's rounds, she would be sure to turn to the
poor creature who led her about, and ask,
"You comfortable, Liza?" or "Is your tea to
your liking, Liza?"
When conveyed to Mr. Beard's establish-
ment to have her daguerreotype taken, she for
the first time in her life rode in a cab; and
then her fear at being pulled "back'ards" as
she termed it (for she sat with her back to the
horse), was almost painful. She felt about
for something to lay hold of, and did not ap-
pear comfortable until she had a firm grasp of
the pocket. After her alarm had in a mea-
sure subsided, she turned to her guide and
said, "We must put up with those trials,
Liza." In a short time, however, she began
to find the ride pleasant enough. "Very nice,
ain't it Liza?" she said; "but I shouldn't like
to ride on them steamboats, they say they're
shocking dangerous; and as for them railways,
I've heard tell they're dreadful; but these
cabs, Liza, is very nice." On the road she was
continually asking "Liza" where they were,
and wondering at the rapidity at which they
travelled. "Ah!" she said, laughing, "if I
had one of these here cabs, my 'rounds'
would soon be over." Whilst ascending the
high flight of stairs that led to the portrait-
rooms, she laughed at every proposal made to
her to rest. "There's twice as many stairs as
these to our church, ain't there, Liza?" she
replied when pressed. When the portrait was
finished she expressed a wish to feel it.
The following is the history of her life, as
she herself related it, answering to the variety
of questions put to her on the subject: -
"I was born the 4th April, 1786 (it was
Good Friday that year), at a small chandler's
shop, facing the White Horse, Stuart's-rents,
Drury-lane. Father was a hatter, and mother
an artificial-flower maker and feather finisher.
When I was but a day old, the nurse took me
out of the warm bed and carried me to the
window, to show some people how like I was
to father. The cold flew to my eyes and I
caught inflammation in them. Owing to mother
being forced to be from home all day at her
work, I was put out to dry-nurse when I was
three weeks old. My eyes were then very bad,
by all accounts, and some neighbours told
the woman I was with, that Turner's cerate
would do them good. She got some and put
it on my eyes, and when poor mother came to
suckle me at her dinner-hour, my eyes was all
'a gore of blood.' From that time I never
see afterwards. She did it, poor woman, for
the best; it was no fault of her'n, and I'm
sure I bears her no malice for it. I stayed at
home with mother until I was thirteen, when
I was put to the Blind-school, but I only kept
there nine months; they turned me out be-
cause I was not clever with my hands, and I
could not learn to spin or make sash-lines;
my hands was ocker'd like. I had not been
used at home to do anything for myself - not
even to dress myself. Mother was always out
at her work, so she could not learn me, and
no one else would, so that's how it was I was
turned out. I then went hack to my mother,
and kept with her till her death. I well re-
member that; I heard her last. When she
died I was just sixteen year old. I was sent
to the Union - 'Pancridge' Union it was -
and father with me (for he was ill at the time).
He died too, and left me, in seven weeks after
mother. When they was both gone, I felt I
had lost my only friends, and that I was all
alone in the world and blind. But, take it
altogether, the world has been very good to me,
and I have much to thank God for and the
good woman I am with. I missed mother the
most, she was so kind to me; there was no
one like her; no, not even father. I was kept
in the Union until I was twenty; the parish
paid for my learning the 'cymbal:' God bless
them for it, I say. A poor woman in the
workhouse first asked me to learn music; she
said it would always be a bit of bread for me;
I did as she told me, and I thank her to this
day for it. It took me just five months to
learn the - cymbal, if you please - the hurdy-
gurdy ain't it's right name. The first tune I
ever played was 'God save the King,' the
Queen as is now; then 'Harlequin Hamlet,'
that took me a long time to get off; it was
three weeks before they put me on a new one.
I then learnt 'Moll Brook;' then I did the
'Turnpike-gate' and 'Patrick's day in the
morning:' all of them I learnt in the Union. I
got a poor man to teach me the 'New-rigged
ship' I soon learnt it, because it was an easy
tune. Two-and-forty years ago I played 'The
Gal I left behind me.' A woman learnt it me;
she played my cymbal and I listened, and so
got it. 'Oh, Susannah!' I learnt myself by
hearing it on the horgan. I always try and
listen to a new tune when I am in the street,
and get it off if I can: it's my bread. I waited
to hear one to-day, quite a new one, but I
didn't like it, so I went on. 'Hasten to the
Wedding' is my favourite; I played it years
ago, and play it still. I like 'Where have you
been all the night?' it's a Scotch tune. The
woman as persuaded me to learn the cymbal
took me out of the Union with her; I lived
with her, and she led me about the streets.
When she died I took her daughter for my
guide. She walked with me for more than
five-and-twenty year, and she might have been
with me to this day, but she took to drinking
and killed herself with it. She behaved very
bad to me at last, for as soon as we got a few
halfpence she used to go into the public and
spend it all; and many a time I'm sure she's
been too tipsy to take me home. One night I
remember she rolled into the road at Ken-
sington, and as near pulled me with her. We
was both locked up in the station-house, for
she couldn't stand for liquor, and I was
obligated to wait till she could lead me home.
It was very cruel of her to treat me so, but,
poor creature, she's gone, and I forgive her
I'm sure. I'd many-guides arter her, but none
of them was honest like Liza is: I don't think
she'd rob me of a farden. Would you, Liza?
Yes, I've my reg'lar rounds, and I've I've kept to
'em for near upon fifty year. All the children
like to hear me coming along, for I always
plays my cymbal as I goes. At Kentish-town
they calls me Mrs. Tuesday, and at Kensing-
ton I'm Mrs. Friday, and so on. At some
places they likes polkas, but at one house I
plays at in Kensington they always ask me for
'Haste to the Wedding.' No, the cymbal isn't
very hard to play; the only thing is, you must
be very particular that the works is covered up,
or the halfpence is apt to drop in. King David,
they say, played on one of those here instru-
ments. We're very tired by night-time; ain't
we, Liza? but when I gets home the good
woman I lodges with has always a bit of
something for me to eat with my cup of tea.
She's a good soul, and keeps me tidy and clean.
I helps her all I can; when I come in, I carries
her a pail of water up-stairs, and such-like,
Many ladies as has known me since they was
children allows me a trifle. One maiden lady
near Brunswick-square has given me sixpence
a week for many a year, and another allows
me eighteenpence a fortnight; so that, one way
and another, I am very comfortable, and I've
much to be thankful for."
It was during one of old Sarah's journeys
that an accident occurred, which ultimately
deprived London of the well-known old hurdy-
gurdy woman. In crossing Seymour-street,
she and her guide Liza were knocked down
by a cab, as it suddenly turned a corner. They
were picked up and placed in the vehicle (the
poor guide dead, and Sarah with her limbs
broken), and carried to the University Hospi-
tal. Old Sarah's description of that ride is
more terrible and tragic than I can hope to
make out to you. The poor blind creature
was ignorant of the fate of her guide, she
afterwards told us, and kept begging and
praying to Liza to speak to her as the vehicle
conveyed them to the asylum. She shook
her, she said, and intreated her to say if she
was hurt, but not a word was spoken in answer,
and then she felt how terrible a privation was
her blindness; and it was not until they
reached the hospital, and they were lifted from.
the cab, that she knew, as she heard the people
whisper to one another, that her faithful
attendant was dead. In telling us this, the
good old soul forgot her own sufferings for the
time, as she lay with both her legs broken
beneath the hooped bed-clothes of the hospital
bed; and when, after many long weeks, she left
the medical asylum, she was unable to continue
her playing on the hurdy-gurdy, her hand
being now needed for the crutch that was
requisite to bear her on her rounds.
The shock, however, had been too much for
the poor old creature's feeble nature to rally
against, and though she continued to hobble
round to the houses of the kind people who had
for years allowed her a few pence per week,
and went limping along musicless through the
streets for some months after she left the
hospital, yet her little remaining strength at
length failed, her, and she took to her bed in a
room in Bell-court, Gray's-inn-lane, never to
rise from it again.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Tue, 22 Oct 2002 19:51:01 -0400
From: Allan Janus <allan.janus _at_ verizon.net>
Subject: [HG] The French Hurdy-Gurdy Player, With Dancing Children
LONDON LABOUR AND THE LONDON POOR
Henry Mayhew
From Volume III, Section II - Street Musicians
FRENCH HURDY-GURDY PLAYER, WITH
DANCING CHILDREN.
"I PLAY on the same instrument as the Savoy-
ards play, only, you understand, you can have
good and bad instruments; and to have a
good one you must pay the price. The
one I play on cost me 60 francs in Paris.
There are many more handsome, but none
better. This is all that there is of the best.
The man who made it has been dead sixty
years. It is the time that makes the value
of it.
"My wife plays on the violin. She is a
very good player. I am her second husband.
She is an Italian by birth. She played on the
violin when she was with her first husband.
He used to accompany her on the organ, and
that produced a very fine effect.
"The hurdy-gurdy is like the violin - it im-
proves with age. My wife told me that she
once played on a very old violin, and the dif-
ference between that and her own was curious
for sound. She was playing, with her hus-
band accompanying her on the organ, near
the ch�teau of an old marquis; and when he
heard the sound of the violin he asked them
in. Then he said, 'Here, try my violin,' and
handed her the old violin. My wife said that
when she touched it with the bow, she cried,
'Ah, how fine it is!' It was the greatest en-
joyment she had known for years. You un-
derstand, the good violins all bridge where
the bridge is placed, but the new violins sink
there, and the tune is altered by it. They
call the violins that sink 'consumptive' ones.
"I am Dijon. The vineyard of Clos Nan-
gent is near to Dijon. You have heard of that
wine. Oh, yes, of course you have! That
clos belongs to a young man of twenty-two,
and he could sell it for 2,500,000 francs if he
liked. At Dijon the bottles sell for 7 francs.
"My mother and father did not live happily
together. My father died when I had three
years, and then my mother, who had only
twenty years of age, married again, and you
know how it often happens, the second father
does not love the first family of his wife.
Some Savoyards passed through our village,
and I was sold to them. I was their slave for
ten years. I learnt to play the hurdy-gurdy
with them. I used to accompany an organ. I
picked out note for note with the organ. When
I heard an air, too, which I liked, I used to go
to my room and follow the air from my memory
upon the instrument. I went to Paris after-
wards.
"You see I play on only one string in my
hurdy-gurdy. Those which the Savoyards play
have several strings, and that is what makes
them drone. The hurdy-gurdy is the same as
the violin in principle. You see the wheel of
wood which I turn with the handle is like its
bow, for it grates on the string, and the keys
press on the string like the fingers, and pro-
duce the notes. I used to play on a droning
hurdy-gurdy at first, but one night I went
into a caf� at Paris, and the gentlemen there
cried out, 'Ah! the noise!' Then I thought
to myself - I had fifteen years - if I play on
one string it will not produce so much noise
as on two. Then I removed one string, and
when I went the next night the gentlemen
said, 'Ah, that is much better!' and that is
why I play on one string.
"I used to sing in Paris. I learnt all that
of new in the style of romances, and I accom-
panied myself on my hurdy-gurdy. At Paris
I met my wife. She was a widow then. I
told her that I would marry her when her
mourning was over, which lasted nine months.
I was not twenty then. I went about playing
at the caf�s, and put by money. But when we
went to be married, the priests would not
marry us unless we had our parents' consents.
I did not know whether my mother was dead.
I hunted everywhere. As I could not find
out, I lived with my wife the same as if we
had been married. I am married to her now,
but my children were all born before mar-
riage. At last I went to the Catholic priest at
Dover, and told him my life, and that I had
four children, and wished to marry my wife,
and he consented to marry us if I would get
the consent of the priest of the place where I
had lived last. That was Calais, and I wrote to
the priest there, and he gave his consent, and
now my children are legitimate. By the law
of France, a marriage makes legitimate all the
children born by the woman with whom you
are united. My children were present at my
marriage, and that produced a very droll
effect. I have always been faithful to my
wife, and she to me, though we were not mar-
ried.
"When my wife is well, she goes out with
me, and plays on the violin. It produces a
very good effect. She plays the seconds. But
she has so much to do at home with the
children, that she does not come out with
me much.
"My age is twenty-five, and I have voyaged
for seventeen years. There are three months
since I came in England. I was at Calais and
at Boulogne, and it is there that I had the
idea to come to England. Many persons who
counselled us, told us that in England we
should gain a great deal of money. That is
why I came. It took three weeks before I
could get the permission to be married, and
during that time I worked at the different
towns. I did pretty well at Dover; and after
that I went to Ramsgate, and I did very well
there. Yes, I took a great deal of money on.
the sands of a morning. I have been mar-
ried a month now - for I left Ramsgate to go
to be married. At Rarnsgate they understood
my playing. Unless I have educated people
to play to, I do not make much success with
my instrument. I play before a public-house,
or before a cottage, and they say, 'That's all
very well;' but they do not know that to make
a hurdy-gurdy sound like a violin requires
great art and patience. Besides, I play airs
from operas, and they do not know the Italian.
music. Now if I was alone with my hurdy-
gurdy, I should only gain a few pence; but it.
is by my children that I do pretty well.
"We came to London when the season was
over in the country, and now we go every-
where in the town. I cannot speak English;
but I have my address in my pocket, if I lose
- myself. Je m'elance dans la ville. To day I
went by a big park, where there is a ch�teau.
of the Queen. If I lose my way, I show my
written address, and they go on speaking
English, and show me the way to go. I don't
understand the English, but I do the pointed
finger; and when I get near home, then I
recognise the quarter.
"My little girl will have six years next
February, and the little boy is only four years
and a-half. She is a very clever little girl,
and she notices everything. Before I was
married, she heard me speaking to my wife
about when we were to be married; and she'd
say, constantly, 'Ah, papa, when are you
going to be married to mamma?' We had a
pudding on our marriage-day, and she liked it
so much that now she very often says, 'Oh,
papa, I should like a pudding like that I had
when you. married mamma.' That is compro-
mising, but she doesn't know any better.
"It was my little girl Eugenie who taught
her brother Paul to dance. He liked it very
much; but he is young yet, and heavy in his
movements; but she is graceful, and very
clever. At Boulogne she was much beloved,
and the English ladies would give her packets
of sugar-plums and cakes. When they dance,
they first of all polk together, and then they
do the Varsovienne together, and after that
she does the Cachuca and the Mazurka alone.
first of all taught my girl to do the Polka,
for in my time I liked the dance pretty well.
As soon as the girl had learnt it, she taught
her brother. They like dancing above all,
I when I encourage them, for I say, ' Now, my
Children, dance well; and above all dance
gracefully, and then I will buy you some
cakes.' Then, if they take a fancy to any-
thing, if it is not too dear, I buy it for them,
and that encourages them. Besides, when
she says 'Papa, when shall we go to France,
and see my little brother who is out at nurse?'
then I say, 'When we have earned enough
money; so you must dance well, and, above all,
gracefully, and when we have taken plenty of
money we will be off.' That encourages them,
for they like to see me take plenty of money.
The little girl accompanies the music on the
castanets in the Cachuca. It is astonishing
how well she plays them. I have heard grown-
up artists in the caf�s chantants, who don't
play them so well as she does. It is wonderful
in so young a child. You will say she has
learnt my style of playing on the hurdy-gurdy,
and my movements; but it is the same thing,
for she is as clever to other music. Some-
times, when she has danced, ladies come up
and kiss her, and even carry her off into their
houses, and I have to wait hours for her.
When she sees that I gain money, she has
much more courage. When the little girl has
done dancing with my Paul, then he, when
she is dancing alone, takes the plate and asks
for money. He is very laughable, for he can
already say, 'If you please, misses.' Some-
times the ladies begin to speak to him, he
says, 'Yes! yes!' three or four times, and
then he runs up to me and says, 'Papa, that
lady speaks English;' and then I have to say,
'No speak English.' But he is contented if
he hears anybody speak French. Then he
runs up to me, and says, 'Papa, papa, Mon-
sieur speaks French.'
"My little girl has embroidered trowsers
and petticoats. You won't believe it, but I
worked all that. The ends of the trowsers,
the trimmings to her petticoats, her collars
and sleeves, all I have worked. I do it at
night, when we get home. The evenings are
long and I do a little, and at the end of the
week it becomes much. If I had to buy that
it would cost too much. It was my wife who
taught me to do it. She said the children
must be well dressed, and we have no money
to buy these things. Then she taught me:
at first it seemed droll to me, and I was
ashamed, but then I thought, I do it for my
living and not for my pleasure, it is for my
business; and now I am accustomed to do it.
You would fancy, too, that the children are
cold, going about in the streets dressed as
they are, but they have flannel round the
body, and then the jumping warms them.
They would tell me directly if they were cold.
I always ask them.
"The day I was married a very singular
circumstance happened. I had bought my
wife a new dress, and she, poor thing, sat up
all night to make it. All night! It cost me
five shillings, the stuff did. I had a very bad
coat, and she kept saying,' I shall be gay, but
you, my poor friend, how will you look?' d I have only taken 4s.
My general sum is 5s. 6d. the day, or 6s.
Every night when I get home I give my wife
what I have taken, and I say, 'Here, my girl,
is 3s. for to-morrow's food,' and then we put
the remainder on one side to save up. We
pay 5s. a-week for our room, and that is dear,
for we are there very bad! very bad! for we
sleep almost on the boards. It is lonely for
her to be by herself in the day, hut she is near
her confinement, and she cannot go out.
"It makes me laugh, when I think of our
first coming to this country. She only wore
linen caps, but I was obliged to buy her a
bonnet. It was a very good straw one, and
cost 1s. It made her laugh to see everybody
wearing a bonnet.
"When I first got to London, I did not
know where to go to get lodgings. I speak
Italian very well, for my wife taught me. I
spoke to an Italian at Ramsgate, and he told
me to go to Woolwich, and there I found an
Italian lodging-house. There the landlord
gave me a letter to a friend in London, and I
went and paid 2s. 6d. in advance, and took
the room, and when we went there to live
I gave another 2s. 6d., so as to pay the 5s.
in advance. It seems strange to us to have to
pay rent in advance - but it is a custom.
"It costs me something to clothe my chil-
dren. My girl has six different skirts, all of
silk, of different colours, grey, blue, red, and
yellow. They last the year. The artificial
flowers on her head are arranged by her
mamma. The boots cost the most money. She
has a pair every month. Here they are 3s.,
but in France they are dearer. It is about
the same for the little boy; only as he does
not work so much as his sister, he is not
dressed in so distinguished a style. He is
clean, but not so elegant, for we give the best
to the girl.
"My children are very good at home. Their
mother adores them, and lets them do as they
like. They are very good, indeed.
"On Sunday, they are dressed like other
children. In the morning we go to mass, and
then we go and walk a little, and see London.
I have, as yet, made no friends in London. I
know no French people. I have met some,
but they don't speak to me. We confine our-
selves to our family.
"When I am in the streets with good houses
in them, and see anybody looking at the win-
dows, then if I see them listening, I play
pieces from the operas on my hurdy-gurdy.
I do this between the dances. Those who
go to the opera and frequent the theatres, like
to hear distinguished music."
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Date: Wed, 23 Oct 2002 09:37:29 +0930
From: "Castle, Nigel" <NCastle _at_ workcover.com>
Subject: RE: [HG] Old Sarah
Allan Janus wrote:
> Here's a preview of Old Sarah's statement - she calls her
> instrument the "cymbal" and maintains that "hurdy-gurdy"
> is not the right name.
I have also seen reference to 'cymbal' as an older (pre-18th century)
English name for the HG. It was in a book on early instruments, but I cannot
remember which one.
Nigel Castle
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Date: Wed, 23 Oct 2002 06:01:27 +0300
From: Juulia & Esa <ottilia _at_ saunalahti.fi>
Subject: [HG] About Leif Eriksson
Hello, Eric and others!
The best way to contact Leif is to write him a letter or phone him. I do
not know if he speaks english, but I suppose he does. His address is
Leif Eriksson
Smedby 20807
79350 Leksand
Sweden
He is kind of shy and modest man, some even say he's a hermit or so... He's
not spending his time in the spotlights or in the middle of big crowds at
festivals etc. Anyway, he is a key person (one of them) in reviving the
swedish bagpipe and hurdy-gurdy. He also makes flutes and moraharpas, maybe
some other instruments too. He is also a carpenter.
Of the few found h-g models of Sweden he has made at least so called
Blekingeliras (once a serie of 5) and Groddaliras, and Groddaliras are the
ones Totte and Stefan play.
Leifs chromatic groddaliras have one very special feature: the upper row is
for the white keys, and the lower is for the blacks - just put your hand on
a piano keyboard and its keyrows are in the same order - if compared to the
position of your hand. So it is the opposite way than normally in h-gs.
The original Groddalira is diatonic.
I also heard from a young player, that he had a contract with Leif that he
got his hg without some extra keys (those that are not so often used in the
most common scales) and he buyed them later one by one when he got money.
So Leif is also quite a flexible guy.
I'm a happy owner of diatonic groddalira and my english is not good enough
to praise Leif's work with proper words. The instrument simply works, is
rigid, reliable and flexible for any of my purposes. The overall volume and
sound is very suitable for accompanying singer and well balanced with
fiddle, swedish bagpipe etc. too (something else than normally stringed
tekero...).
The trompette is simple but very accurate: short or long, 4 and even more
controlled coups can be done with "normal" french technique -and this
really is not possible with all "rustic" hg-models. (Totte and Stefan
mostly do backbeat or in 3/4 polskas they buzz for beats 1 and 3, very
groovy and economic style).
In my band we have a bagpipe by Leif too. What I said about the overall
quality in his liras, does apply as well to this little bagpipe.
Yours,
Esa M�kinen, Finland
..........................................................
Esa M�kinen & Juulia Salonen
Variskuja /Kr�kgr�nden 1b8
01450 VANTAA / VANDA
FINLAND
tel. +358-9-8235318
ottilia _at_ saunalahti.fi
Musiikkia/ music:
IHTIRIEKKO
www.ihtiriekko.net
ROZMARING -duo
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Wed, 23 Oct 2002 11:25:47 -0400
From: "Kostusyk, Joseph L." <JLKO _at_ Lubrizol.com>
Subject: RE: [HG] RT in Boston
Dear Matt,
I live in the Cleveland, Ohio area. Would you please send me some
details about the Boston workshop? My e-mail address is
JLKO _at_ Lubrizol.com.
Thanks.
Yours sincerely,
Joe
Joseph L. Kostusyk, Ph.D. 440-347-2758 (phone)
Coordinator of Compliance 440-347-4295 (fax)
Product Safety and Compliance Department
The Lubrizol Corporation JLKO _at_ Lubrizol.com
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Wed, 23 Oct 2002 15:19:42 EDT
From: Cruikshank44 _at_ aol.com
Subject: Re: [HG] Songs of the French Sailors
In a message dated 10/22/02 8:02:44 AM, dtsmithnet _at_ yahoo.com writes:
http://www.mustrad.org.uk/articles/french.htm
Thanks SO MUCH for the fabulous link- I love the French and Breton songs
of the sea and there is so much information in the article that I can't
even begin to wrap my head around it. AND, I can now say YES to all the
people who ask me if sailors ever carried a gurdy to sea! Way cool.
Felicia.
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Date: Thu, 24 Oct 2002 14:38:37 -0700
From: Graham Whyte <graham _at_ altongate.co.uk>
Subject: Re: [HG] Old Sarah
Allan,
Thank you for the Old Sarah research, the pictures are great and her
statement is very moving, it really makes one realise what a hard time
poeple had and how relatively easy our lives are.
The French HG player's statement is also fascinating,
"when she touched it with the bow, she cried 'Ah, how fine it is!' "
I know this feeling well when I play my Colson
Many thanks again,
Graham Whyte
ps what's an OCR error ?
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Date: Thu, 24 Oct 2002 11:08:10 -0400
From: Allan Janus <allan.janus _at_ verizon.net>
Subject: Re: [HG] Old Sarah
Glad you enjoyed it, Graham. OCR is "optical character recognition".
When you scan a text document, OCR software "reads" the image of the
text and interprets it. You can then reproduce it into a Word file, or
in an email, etc. Depending on the clarity of the original text, the
interpretation may be pretty accurate or strangely garbled, but it
always needs to be gone over. I blush to admit that I failed to edit
"cap of tea" in Old Sarah's statement...
Allan Janus
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Thu, 24 Oct 2002 16:45:15 +0100
From: Charles Topham <serendipity.puppets _at_ ntlworld.com>
Subject: Re: [HG] Old Sarah
...... I blush to admit that I failed to edit..."cap of tea" in Old Sarah's
statement...
Oh dear, oh dear...if Sarah was a real Londoner it's how she would have
pronounced it...seriously!?!?! :-)
It was quite humbling to read her story, no trace of bitterness there at
all...no sense of "shaking her fist at the sky" as it were.
Anyway...in the same book there's a great piece on a Punch and Judy
man....(off topic or what?)
Cheers Charles Topham (UK) .....a lurker
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Thu, 24 Oct 2002 12:00:12 -0400
From: Allan Janus <allan.janus _at_ verizon.net>
Subject: Re: [HG] Old Sarah
Here's part of the Punch and Judy piece:
http://www.spyrock.com/nadafarm/html/punch-mayhew.html
"London Labour..." is full of gems. An online version of the complete
work would be a wonderful resource.
Allan Janus
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Thu, 24 Oct 2002 17:55:52 +0100
From: Charles Topham <serendipity.puppets _at_ ntlworld.com>
Subject: [HG] An intro and a question
Hello group...(cough)...my name is Charles and I have a problem I'd like to
share (pause for cheering and a hug)
I first heard Jake Walton about 30 years ago when he dueted with Roger
Nicholson the dulcimer player, it really did get under the radar and has
stayed with me ever since.
I have always wanted a gurdy but have never had enough money,low paid jobs
etc etc.
Anyway I now have the chance to buy a brand new Symphonie which has four
strings and cover two octaves.
For somebody just starting out with one of these do you think it would
really be that much of a limitation compared to a full sized lute back??
I just want to play a few Morris tunes and some early stuff, I'm self taught
on fiddle,guitar and dulcimer and tunes do stick in my head, but I can't
read music...I have tried the patience of two loveley people who swore until
that day that EVERYBODY can read !?!
Any ideas welcome...I only have just over a grand (english) to spare and I
MUST spend it wisely
Cheers Charles
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Thu, 24 Oct 2002 13:21:17 -0400
From: Judith Lindenau <judith _at_ taar.com>
Subject: RE: [HG] Old Sarah
Allan:...... I blush to admit that I failed to edit..."cap of tea" in Old
Sarah's
statement...
Charles: Oh dear, oh dear...if Sarah was a real Londoner it's how she would
have
pronounced it
Judith: Well, as Allan's highschool English teacher, may *I* add my analysis
of what happened here??? :-)
Judith Lindenau,CAE, RCE
Executive Vice President
Traverse Area Association of Realtors
www.taar.com
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Thu, 24 Oct 2002 13:18:19 -0400
From: Allan Janus <allan.janus _at_ verizon.net>
Subject: Re: [HG] Old Sarah
My sins have found me out! Judith, I swear I'll finish that Silas Marner
paper soon...
Allan Janus
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Thu, 24 Oct 2002 13:59:11 -0400
From: Judith Lindenau <judith _at_ taar.com>
Subject: RE: [HG] Old Sarah
Promises, promises, Allan....
Perhaps for extra credit you'd like to complete an
online version of "London Labor and the London Poor".
Judith
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Thu, 24 Oct 2002 19:16:47 +0100
From: Anita Spence <anitaspence _at_ macunlimited.net>
Subject: Re: [HG] An intro and a question
Hi Charles
Another UK gurdy player! Hello, I've only just joined this network the day
before yesterday.
Anyway, I got a hurdy gurdy made for me by Martin Turner in Norfolk, and it
cost about �800.00 - can't remember exact price - nice chap, decent
instrument - 5 strings (it's a Hieronymous Bosch model) - not top of the
range but a good student model, so I'm told. I've only been playing it a few
months so am no expert, but am having lots of fun with it. It plays two
octaves & has trompette, mouche & petit bourdon. I had one of the
chanterelles altered to a viola string, which improved the sound greatly. He
includes rosin, pitch pipe, and a belt, and can include a case for an extra
�120.00 or so.
His number is 01692 651 410, in case you're interested.
Good luck,
Anita
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Thu, 24 Oct 2002 14:29:15 -0400
From: Allan Janus <allan.janus _at_ verizon.net>
Subject: Re: [HG] Old Sarah
Would love to, but I lack the time and storage for scanning four big
thick volumes.
Allan Janus
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Thu, 24 Oct 2002 22:59:47 EDT
From: HobgoblinH _at_ aol.com
Subject: Re: [HG] Old Sarah
In a message dated 02-10-24 11:49:55 EDT, you write:
<< Anyway...in the same book there's a great piece on a Punch and Judy
man....(off topic or what?) >>
I don't think it's off topic. We do Unch and Judy a lot, and I always draw
the crowd and finish off the show with hurdy-gurdy.
Alice
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Fri, 25 Oct 2002 08:29:05 -0700
From: Graham Whyte <graham _at_ altongate.co.uk>
Subject: Re: [HG] An intro and a question
Charles,
You can buy a whole real gurdy for less than that.
Contact me off list
graham _at_ altongate.co.uk
Graham Whyte
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Fri, 25 Oct 2002 10:50:44 +0100
From: peter.j.hughes _at_ bt.com
Subject: RE: [HG] An intro and a question
Charles,
Welcome to the wonderful world of hurdy gurdies.
If you look in the list archives you should find plenty of suggestions for
good value instruments. FWIW, the best I've tried in the under �1k bracket
is the 'Phoenix' by Helmut Gotschy.
http://www.gotschy.com/english/index.html. They play well and have a clear
sound.
BTW, I assume you're UK based - where?
Regards,
Peter.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Fri, 25 Oct 2002 13:27:29 +0100
From: Charles Topham <serendipity.puppets _at_ ntlworld.com>
Subject: [HG] I am not worthy..
Hello to everyone who kindly replied to me...I hadn't expected anything like
the response I got....thankyou, do I owe any of you money now?
Pieter...thanks but I will stick with an english maker because of the after
sales whinging and so on...
Peter Hughes...thanks...I'm near Coventry
John Hall...Nice reply, good link you sent me too..cheers
Steve Evans...a well considered reply and very helpful, if you are in Notts
and I do get one of these varmints it would be nice to meet up one day?
Anita...wotcha!? I'm calling today, thanks for the number.
Once again I'm really chuffed with the help...cheers
Charles
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Fri, 25 Oct 2002 20:12:45 +0200
From: Simon Wascher <simon.wascher _at_ chello.at>
Subject: [HG] [Fwd: [drehleier] [Fwd: [fm] Drehleier zu verkaufen!]]
Hello,
I am forwarding this message from a friend who wants to sell a hurdy
gurdy. It is a 'Novello Classico' made by Helmut Gotschy in 1994, with
maple soundboard, two melody-strings, two trompette-strings, three
drones and built in 3 channel pickup system. Case is included. He asks
for 2200 Euro (the price of the new instrument was 6500 DM [~3250 Euro -
S.]).
Actually there are no pictures of this instrument in the net, but copies
of photographs may be supplied on demand. Also there may be be pictures
in the net in the near future.
please contact Ralf directly:
Ralf Gehler<ralf.gehler _at_ freenet.de>
phone: +49 [0]385.5814049
regards,
Simon Wascher - Vienna, Austria
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: [fm] Drehleier zu verkaufen!
Date: Fri, 25 Oct 2002 18:46:07 +0200 (MEST)
Hallo,
Ralf Gehler m�chte gern seine Drehleier verkaufen! Hier seine
Beschreibung:
Drehleier, Helmut Gotschy 1994
Modell Novello Classico mit Ahorndecke, 3-Kanal Tonabnehmer, zwei
Schnarrsaiten, 3 Bordune, zwei Melodiesaiten und Instrumentenkoffer
2200 Euro (Neupreis 6500 DM)
Es gibt auch Fotos von dem guten St�ck, leider noch nicht im Web. Ich
kann sie aber kopieren und an Interessenten verschicken und werde sie
eventuellauch ins Netz setzen.
bei interesse kontaktiert ihn bitte unter
Ralf Gehler<ralf.gehler _at_ freenet.de>
oder telefonisch unter +49 [0]385.5814049
--
+++ GMX - Mail, Messaging & more http://www.gmx.net +++
NEU: Mit GMX ins Internet. Rund um die Uhr f�r 1 ct/ Min. surfen!
-----------------------------------------------------
mailadresse der liste: folkmail _at_ folkclubfrankfurt.de
webinterface fuer ein- und austritte oder ummeldungen:
http://www.folkclubfrankfurt.de/majordomo/
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Fri, 25 Oct 2002 16:45:31 EDT
From: DISKJAKEY _at_ aol.com
Subject: Re: [HG] An intro and a question
Hi Charles, and welcome to the HG List. My life seems to have
paralleled yours.
My first experience in seeing a hurdy gurdy in public was also Jake
Walton when he performed as a duo with Jez Lowe. They performed at a
concert in New York City around 1984. It picqued my interest in the
hurdy gurdy and a short time later I saw Donald Heller and his wife,
Anicet, perform at a cultural venue on Staten Island, NY. I quickly fell
in love with the instrument and knew that someday I would have my very
own.
Two years ago I came into some money and ordered an electric-acoustic
hurdy gurdy which arrived this past July. I am still trying to get
familiar with it and hope to join the ranks of "player" within the year.
A few weeks ago I happened to locate and contact Donald Heller (who
lives about 120 miles away) and he gave me my first lesson. My hg is
tuned D/G because we play primarily celtic-based music.
Good luck on your pursuit and glad you and I never lost the vision in
owning a hurdy gurdy.
Jake Conte
__
Castle Keep on mp3: www.mp3.com/castlekeep
English, Irish, Scottish and Welsh folk songs in a progressive style.
Castle Keep AOL web site:
http://members.aol.com/diskjakey/page2/index.htm
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Date: Sun, 27 Oct 2002 14:28:07 -0800
From: Patricia Lipscomb <hurdygurdygirl _at_ molehaven.com>
Subject: [HG] need addresses
Sorry to write to the whole list but my hard drive crashed and I lost all my
email addresses. I would appreciate a message (zero content is fine) from
anyone with whom I've corresponded 1:1.
I have a particular need to contact Bryan Tolley and Simon Wascher.
Trish Lipscomb
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Date: Wed, 23 Oct 2002 11:51:04 -0500
From: Erik Erickson <woodhous _at_ acegroup.cc>
Subject: [HG] Thanks
To all on the list,
I've enjoyed my initial contacts with this list. There have been a
number of responses, both direct and through the list to my questions,
and I thank all who have been kind enough and in a positiy nan left me in her will!!!!!
The guy is local to me and is happy to give me lessons too...even better.
Cheers dudes....Charles
ps anybody in the UK want to by a Fylde Octavious Mandola??? as new...my
hands have arthritis and don't stretch too well.
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Date: Mon, 28 Oct 2002 20:58:51 +0100 (MET)
From: Bryan TOLLEY <Bryan.Tolley _at_ wanadoo.fr>
Subject: Re: [HG] need addresses
Hello Trish,
I was wondering what was up. I sent you a message and was waiting
for a reply. This is what I wrote...
I am back in France this week and I have had the
chance to start looking around for a case for your vielle.
There is a model I would consider purchasing, but
first I would like to verify the case/instrument
dimensions to ensure that one will fit the other when the
two finally come together. So, can you please just check
for me the following sizes (with the crank either removed
or simply ignored):
Width 27 cms
Length 78 cms
Height 27 cms
I doubt if there will be a problem since all veilles
are pretty much the same size and your instrument seemed to
fit in my case without any bother, but just to be sure,
please confirm the figures (or give me some new data) and
I will get you the/a case.
Best wishes,
Bryan
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Date: Mon, 28 Oct 2002 12:10:07 -0800
From: Patricia Lipscomb <hurdygurdygirl _at_ molehaven.com>
Subject: Re: [HG] need addresses
Thank you, Bryan.Somehow I did not get the earlier message. I guess it must
have been a casualty of my computer disaster.
I'll measure as soon as I have a chance. I have to run to a meeting just
now.
I also was writing to see how the rest of your time went here in the US.
Hope you had a pleasant stay.
Trish
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Date: Mon, 28 Oct 2002 21:56:39 +0000
From: Dave Holland <dave _at_ biff.org.uk>
Subject: [HG] Schubert's "Der Leiermann"
Does anybody happen to know whether the "Leiermann" in Franz Schubert's
song "Der Leiermann" is supposed to be an organ-grinder, or a
hurdy-gurdy player?
The original text with an English translation is at
http://www.recmusic.org/lieder/m/muller/leiermann.html
Thanks,
Dave
--
Dave Holland | dave _at_ biff.org.uk
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Date: Mon, 28 Oct 2002 23:35:58 +0100
From: Simon Wascher <simon.wascher _at_ chello.at>
Subject: Re: [HG] Schubert's "Der Leiermann"
Dave Holland wrote:
>
> Does anybody happen to know whether the "Leiermann" in Franz Schubert's
> song "Der Leiermann" is supposed to be an organ-grinder, or a
> hurdy-gurdy player?
given the time, the music and all my knowledge about hurdy gurdies it is
definitely a hurdy gurdy player.
The melody reflects the drone and these typical minor modes, it is also
to early in history to see mechanical organs being cheap enough to be a
beggars instrument (can someone give me definitive information if there
is or was an period of time where barrel organs really were _beggars_
instruments? - I do not mean street music entertainment we are talking
about a obviousely really poor beggar). Anyway it wasn't at the
beginning of the nineteenth century Vienna as far as I know.
'Leier' in case of a music instrument till about the 1830s is allways
meaning a hurdy gurdy exept in cases where there is a clear antique
mythological context (Apollo etc).
Besides this 'Leier' also had the meaning 'crank'. So under certain
circumstances it may appear in a text about lifting water from a well or
eventually in the meaning of 'handle':
"Und hiazt hot ma mey Diandl a Leiern anghenkt,
und hiazt sollt i die ganze Nacht leiern a weng"
Its a song-text (gstanzl)
I will not translate this text, since it would not be suitable for being
read by others than adults.
regards,
Simon Wascher - Vienna, Austria
--
... , aus zeitmangel und infolge widriger verhaeltnisse verlaesst die
mehrzahl der menschen diese welt, ohne ueber sie nachgedacht zu haben.
Einigen wiederum, die das zu tun versuchen, wird schwindelig, und sie
beschaeftigen sich mit etwas anderem.
Stanislaw Lem, Hundertsiebenunddreissig Sekunden
http://members.chello.at/simon.wascher/
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Date: Mon, 28 Oct 2002 23:01:08 -0000
From: Colin Hill <c.hl _at_ virgin.net>
Subject: Re: [HG] Schubert's "Der Leiermann"
http://www.floraco.com/organs/history/ has a nice bit about barrel organs
and dates them back to at least 1772 and as Schubert was born in
1797.................
Haydn Mozart and Beethoven were certainly involved with automatic music and
there is an interesting page here
http://mmd.foxtail.com/Archives/Digests/199902/1999.02.18.03.html which
discusses much the same question which you may find interesting or at least
food for further debate :-)
Colin Hill
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Date: Mon, 28 Oct 2002 20:53:39 EST
From: Cruikshank44 _at_ aol.com
Subject: Re: [HG] Schubert's "Der Leiermann"
"Und hiazt hot ma mey Diandl a Leiern anghenkt,
und hiazt sollt i die ganze Nacht leiern a weng"
Oh, come on- translate it already! I'm dying to know...
F.
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Date: Mon, 28 Oct 2002 21:26:48 -0500
From: Judith Lindenau <judith _at_ taar.com>
Subject: RE: [HG] Schubert's "Der Leiermann"
"
"Und hiazt hot ma mey Diandl a Leiern anghenkt,
und hiazt sollt i die ganze Nacht leiern a weng"
Oh, come on- translate it already! I'm dying to know...
F.
"Me too," she said, using her most adult tone of voice....
j
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Date: Tue, 29 Oct 2002 09:13:13 +0100
From: Simon Wascher <simon.wascher _at_ chello.at>
Subject: Re: [HG] Schubert's "Der Leiermann"
Colin Hill wrote:
>
> http://www.floraco.com/organs/history/ has a nice bit about barrel organs
> and dates them back to at least 1772 and as Schubert was born in
> 1797.................
> Haydn Mozart and Beethoven were certainly involved with automatic music and
> there is an interesting page here
> http://mmd.foxtail.com/Archives/Digests/199902/1999.02.18.03.html which
> discusses much the same question which you may find interesting or at least
> food for further debate :-)
I am still convinced about the Schubert. First that Haydn or Mozart
wrote for a highly sophisticated mechanical music machine does not
sayany thing about this song.
The music of the song itself is very much a hurdy gurdy tune
immagination.
The list of meanings in the second source is helpfull and interesting,
but id does not show the fact that Leierkasten could also mean
'drehleier' (and even more 'hurdy gurdy').
One can see the ambiguity of the term on the picture given on this site,
which shows a barrel-organ player, but drawn in a way and design that
refers to very common hurdy gurdy player embodyments.
here is a quote from this page:
"There was only one problem for the street musicians: The barrel
organs
with the organ pipes inside were quite expensive and heavy to
carry
around. One can imagine how happy they were when, in the
first half of
the 19th century, a new type of barrel organ emerged: the
reed organ."
As this text says these organs were expensive in the beginning (as I
pointed out). The text for the song is written befor 1827.
Besides This: at this time, the 1820s and 1830s hurdy gurdies were still
very common. At least there is quite a lot of evidence for hurdy gurdies
as folk insrument in Vienna in this time (pictures, descriptions in
texts, even music).
regards
Simon Wascher - Vienna, Austria
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Date: Tue, 29 Oct 2002 10:55:19 -0000
From: dave _at_ dpraties.freeserve.co.uk
Subject: Re: [HG] Schubert's "Der Leiermann"
Hello Simon,
On the question of barrel organs being affordable to beggars, I have
some information in a book which I can't find, having just moved
house! But I remember it saying that in British cities in the 19th
century, "What were called barrel organs - actually barrel pianos"
were made by Italian craftsmen, mostly in London, and hired out to
buskers on a daily basis. They usually worked in pairs, one winding
the handle, the other collecting money. They mostly worked poor
areas of the city, playing outside public houses and eating
establishments. This hiring arrangement may have applied also to
the smaller barrel organs on a pole, we associate with monkeys. If I
can find the book, or remember its title,I'll let you know.
Best wishes, Dave.
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Date: Wed, 30 Oct 2002 14:23:35 -0800
From: JulieR <julesong _at_ attbi.com>
Subject: [HG] Verlag der Spielleute catalog and "Making and Playing Musical
Instruments"
I got both in the mail yesterday! Both "Making and Playing Musical
Instruments" with Dewit's HG plans, and a Verlag der Spielleute catalog.
Last night I spent a long while reading slowly and carefully through the
Dewit plans, and I've printed out Alden's supplemental plans that go with it
as well. I've made copies of the plans so that we can write all over them
(rather than in the book). I had hurdy gurdy dreams last night when I went
to sleep. :)
I called Dusty Strings about "The Hurdy-gurdy - Setup and Maintenance [Die
Drehleier - Feinabstimmung und Wartung]" and they no longer have any copies.
They said, in fact, that it will probably be a very long time that they have
any more, if ever. Apparently there's some sort of dispute with Verlag der
Spielleute (they were reluctant to say more). So I can try to order one out
of the catalog I got yesterday, but if anybody over here the Pacific NW has
one I could borrow, that'd be good. I'm going to have to find a friend who
reads fluent German to order from the catalog. I did just find it available
at the Amazon Germany site, hmmm...
(http://www.amazon.de/exec/obidos/ASIN/392724015X/qid%3D1036015930/028-90311
22-8753328)
--Julie
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Date: Thu, 31 Oct 2002 00:28:13 +0100
From: Petra Kuehmichel <Petra.Kuehmichel _at_ t-online.de>
Subject: AW: [HG] Verlag der Spielleute catalog and "Making and Playing
Musical Instruments"
Hi Julie,
you could directly write to Verlag der Spielleute (even in english):
dudelsack _at_ spielleute.de
or either have a look on their website:
www.bagpipe.de
good luck
Petra
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Date: Wed, 30 Oct 2002 18:50:56 -0800
From: JulieR <julesong _at_ attbi.com>
Subject: RE: [HG] Verlag der Spielleute catalog and "Making and Playing
Musical Instruments"
Oh yes, I have been to their website, but I couldn't see that you could
order something online from there.
However, good news. :) I found a link to the book at Amazon.de and ordered
it this evening. *grin* (It's at
http://www.amazon.de/exec/obidos/ASIN/392724015X/qid%3D1036015930/028-903112
2-8753328) Not sure how quickly it'll get to us, but at least we've got it
ordered from a reliable source. The whole Dusty Strings thing was annoying.
--Julie
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Date: Wed, 30 Oct 2002 19:23:51 -0800 (PST)
From: Dennis Sherman <dennis_sherman _at_ yahoo.com>
Subject: RE: [HG] Verlag der Spielleute catalog and "Making and Playing
Musical Instruments"
--- JulieR <julesong _at_ attbi.com> wrote:
>[...]
> However, good news. :) I found a link to the book
> at Amazon.de and ordered
> it this evening. *grin* (It's at
>
http://www.amazon.de/exec/obidos/ASIN/392724015X/qid%3D1036015930/028-903112
> 2-8753328) Not sure how quickly it'll get to us,
>[...]
I ordered it from them back in June, I think, and it
took about 6 weeks (cheapest shipping) to get to
Chicago. And well worth the wait!
=====
--
Dennis Sherman Chicago, IL
dennis_sherman _at_ sherman-erickson.org
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Date: Wed, 30 Oct 2002 19:56:23 -0800
From: JulieR <julesong _at_ attbi.com>
Subject: RE: [HG] Verlag der Spielleute catalog and "Making and Playing
Musical Instruments"
Six weeks, huh? *sigh* Guess I'll just have to be patient. :)
--Julie
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Date: Wed, 30 Oct 2002 22:14:42 -0800
From: JulieR <julesong _at_ attbi.com>
Subject: [HG] wood - walnut
Okay, I've been looking online, but I figure it might be better for me to
ask on the list.
Walnut. Need it to make a HG from the Dewit plans. Where best to get it?
--JulieR
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Date: Thu, 31 Oct 2002 07:40:27 -0800
From: Henry Boucher <boite _at_ sympatico.ca>
Subject: Re: [HG] wood - walnut
Walnut is nice but many other woods could be used , cherry, maple
but more important , for dimensional stability ( read : no cracks ) it must
be quartered and dry in wich area do you live ?
Henry
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Date: Thu, 31 Oct 2002 13:34:57 -0000
From: Frank Vickers <frank _at_ vickhast.demon.co.uk>
Subject: [HG] Norwich UK 2003
Hi Folks
Just to announce our Norwich Festival is going ahead.
31/01/03 to 02/02/03
The Assembly House, Norwich, UK
We have the Patrick Bouffard Trio plus Anne Lise Foy, hurdy gurdy, bagpipe
and loads more workshops.
try the web
www.vickhast.demon.co.uk
the click on the N03 button
Frank Vickers
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Date: Thu, 31 Oct 2002 07:27:01 -0800
From: JulieR <julesong _at_ attbi.com>
Subject: [HG] wood recommendations
>Henry Boucher said:
> Walnut is nice but many other woods could be used , cherry, maple
> but more important , for dimensional stability ( read : no cracks
> ) it must
> be quartered and dry in wich area do you live ?
> Henry
Well, the Dewit plans call for walnut, as do Alden's supplemental plans
(which you can see at http://www.hurdygurdy.com/hg/dutch/dutch.html). He
says (saying that feels weird since I know you're going to read this,
Alden!), "The authors suggest walnut for most of the parts, which is an
excellent choice with a few drawbacks. Walnut works well, but it needs to be
filled if you want a smooth glossy finish, and working with it bothers some
people's respiratory tracts. Western bigleaf maple is a good alternative. It
finishes nicely, but is a little harder to work with and is also harder to
bend. Other woods may be used as well, but try to avoid anything really
exotic: this instrument is hard enough to make without introducing the
uncertainties of an uncommon material. There are a few places like the
handle where an exotic wood can be used with no problem."
So I guess I could use something other than walnut. I don't want a glossy
finish, so using what the plans called for seemed like a good enough idea.
I don't need nor really want exotic woods.
We live in the Pacific Northwest of the United States.
Here's a question that might seem naive, but I'm curious... can board stock
for acoustic guitars be used, or are the thicknesses completely wrong?
(Remembering that this isn't a lute back.) The Dewit plans being in metric
and a lot of listings for wood being in inches is throwing me off. (I know
I'll get used to converting it in my head, it's just going to take a while.)
--JulieR
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Date: Thu, 31 Oct 2002 11:26:43 -0700
From: bbc0 <bbc0 _at_ telusplanet.net>
Subject: Re: [HG] wood recommendations
Julie,
If you are near Seattle there is a Woodworkers Store on I think it's called
Stone Way, near the university. I have found some great woods there
including walnut.
Barry
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Date: Thu, 31 Oct 2002 11:24:42 -0800
From: Alden & Cali Hackmann <hurdy _at_ silverlink.net>
Subject: Re: [HG] wood recommendations
Hi Julie and listmembers,
For those of you in the Pacific Northwest of the USA your best bet for wood
for gurdies are Crosscut Hardwoods in Seattle, WA and Gilmer Wood in
Portland, OR.
Julie we can e-mail the addresses to you off list.
Buying woods specifically cut for guitar making is a pretty expensive way
to go. They rarely if ever sell in "boards or lumber" they sell you precut
sets for tops, backs and sides and they charge premium prices for them.
:-)-----Cali Hackmann
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Date: Thu, 31 Oct 2002 22:54:51 +0000
From: Dave Holland <dave _at_ biff.org.uk>
Subject: [HG] tune names request
Thank you for the information about Schubert and "Der Leiermann" --
I found it fascinating.
I have another request. At St Chartier this year I recorded some tunes
(only in sessions/late night dances, not the concerts, before anyone
tells me off). I've just got around to transcribing them, but of course,
I don't know the names to put with the tunes.
If anyone would do me a favour, and take a look at the tunes at
http://www.biff.org.uk/dave/music/stchartier02.pdf (56KB) and let me
know the names of any they recognise, I'd be very grateful.
Thanks!
Dave
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