Discover the Hurdy Gurdy: A Musical Journey Unveiling the Enchanting Sounds of a Timeless Instrument

The Hurdy-Gurdy Player (Le Joueur de Vielle) at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Did you know that the hurdy-gurdy is a string instrument that has been around since the Middle Ages? Initially, it was used for sacred music, but over time, it became famous for playing popular and folk music.

It even found favour at the French court! Although it experienced a decline in popularity, it is currently experiencing a resurgence and can be found in various genres, from traditional folk to progressive rock and avant-garde music. 

Interestingly, the reason for its name is unknown, but it is speculated that it may be related to the sound it produces.

Unlike other string instruments, the hurdy-gurdy creates sound by rubbing its strings with a rosined wheel. It also has drone strings that create a buzzing accompaniment to the tune, similar to bagpipes that create a buzzing accompaniment. 

If you want to learn more about the hurdy-gurdy, click the link here.  

Can Music Change Your Mood?

Throughout history, we have used music for a variety of purposes. 

We have used it for a very long time to calm the mind, soothe the soul, and inspire the heart.

Some individuals hold the opinion that music has the power to alter our emotions, personalities, and how we feel about ourselves.

We can use any song for this; song genres are unimportant.

"Researchers have pondered the possible therapeutic and mood boosting benefits of music for centuries".

To Find Out More: Click Here

Why Does Music Bring Back Memories?

Music keeps its ability to evoke powerful emotions and memories because of its universal nature as a form of communication. 

There is no other form of communication that can evoke emotions in individuals as music can.

We can see this in how music can bring back memories of the past.  

We can be transported to a different time and place when we listen to music.

"Listening to a piece of music that was played a lot during a significant life event, such as a wedding or funeral, can trigger a deeply nostalgic emotional experience"

To find out more, click here. 

Seven Interesting Psychological Facts About Music

 

Can Songs And Bass Influence Your Mood?

 

A strong correlation exists between what you hear and how you feel; this relationship between music and emotions is not new.

Some songs can evoke long-buried emotions, instantly altering your attitude and perspective.

But this goes beyond simple kitchen-table psychology; many studies have examined how music affects the mind.  

"Most people have turned to music on occasion to lift their mood, listening to a favourite track to cheer themselves up. "

 

To learn more:

See:  Music Psychology - How Can Songs and Bass Affect Your Mood? By YOTAM DOV

Influence of Personality on Music!

Studies reveal consistent relationships between personality and preferred musical genre.

This article explores these relationships using a novel method: genre dispersion among people’s mobile-phone music collections.  Click Here To Find Out More.

Plato, Music and Misquotes

 Plato And Music

"This post has already been read 245965 times!I spent a pleasant morning, Saturday, browsing through the works of Plato, hunting for the source of a quotation I saw on Facebook, today.* I did several textual searches for words, phrases and quotes on sites that offer his collected works, along with..."

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