A Rare Practice Hurdy-Gurdy, Known as a “Silent Hurdy-Gurdy”

This poster features a particularly rare and unusual instrument: a silent hurdy-gurdy, designed to allow musicians to practise without disturbing those around them.

Unlike a traditional hurdy-gurdy, this instrument has no true resonating soundbox. Rather than producing a powerful sound, it was intended to enable players to practise fingering techniques, wrist movements, and keyboard control at a very low volume. As such, it provides remarkable insight into the teaching and practice methods used by hurdy-gurdy players of the past.

The photographs by Pascal Cranga highlight the instrument’s unique design. Its stripped-down construction, the absence of a resonating body, and its expressive carved head give it an appearance that is both surprising and elegant. Every detail reflects the ingenuity of its maker, who preserved the essential mechanical principles of the hurdy-gurdy while adapting the instrument for quiet domestic practice.

Unsigned, this practice hurdy-gurdy appears to have been made in one of the workshops of the Vosges region that specialised in hurdy-gurdy making, possibly those of Thouvenel or Colson. Because of its rarity and unusual character, it is now regarded as a valuable testament to the history and evolution of this iconic instrument of traditional music.

Poster Specifications

Photography and Layout: Pascal Cranga

A retired hurdy-gurdy maker and tonewood dealer, Pascal Cranga devoted much of his life to the study, restoration, and construction of this iconic traditional instrument. Passionate about historical hurdy-gurdies, he assembled over the years an extensive collection of instruments together with a rich photographic archive highlighting their diversity, aesthetic beauty, and historical significance.

Format: 400 × 600 mm

Printing Process: Colorado – High Quality

Print: Matte finish on 200 g/m² photographic paper

This poster faithfully reproduces original photographs by Pascal Cranga, revealing the intricate details, materials, and elegance of a historic hurdy-gurdy.