The Emissaries of the Wandering Beggars’ Tradition – on the Issues of Hurdy-Gurdy – Past and Present

Abstract

The subject of the wandering beggars’ songs and their functioning in culture has been discussed many times in the Polish folklore studies and ethnomusicology. In the practical sense, it could seem that the beggars’ song is a historical subject, closed a long time ago, similarly as hurdy-gurdy playing – one of its most interesting manifestations. Nevertheless, songs of hurdy-gurdy players have returned triumphantly these days, performed by amateur and professional musicians. Furthermore, we can observe the phenomenon of consolidation of musicians, not only into bands, but also in wider projects (festivals, academies, meetings of hurdy-gurdy players). The author presents a concise description of hurdy-gurdy playing traditions, the instrument itself, its song repertoire and the contemporary reconstruction of these traditions that is attempted by some environments.