French Hurdy-Gurdy
(Lute Form)

ou can make fun of me if you like: one thing is certain that this music in this isolated place appears like the work of the devil.

The lute form hurdy gurdy made by Lasnier, Charenton s/Cher 1852 is the link between French baroque hurdy gurdies from the middle of the 18th century, from Louvet, and the instruments made at the beginning of the 20th century by Pajot and Pimpar.

An original can be found in the Germanisches Nationalmuseum in Nuremberg.
The lute form hurdy gurdy is still the favourite and most wide spread type for baroque music and especially for French dance music. The large body, for example gives the drones a large base. The curved shell gives the melody and the trumpet gives the necessary carrying power.

An exact copy of the original is available on request.

Sound Sample:Charles Bâton: aus Opus III, 1. Sonate, Gayement, played by: Riccardo Delfino, Duration 1:10 min, Format:512 kB QuickTime Movie