The Hyper-Hurdy-Gurdy

This paper describes the concept, design, implementation, and evaluation of the Hyper-Hurdy-Gurdy, which is the augmentation of the conventional hurdy-gurdy musical instrument. The augmentation consists of the enhancement of the instrument with different types of sensors and microphones, as well as of novel types of real-time control of digital effects during the performer’s act of playing. The placing of the added technology is not a hindrance to the acoustic use of the instrument and is conveniently located. Audio and sensors data processing is accomplished by an application coded in Max/MSP and running on an external computer. Such an application also allows the use of the instrument as a controller for digital audio workstations. On the one hand, the rationale behind the development of the instrument was to provide electro-acoustic hurdygurdy performers with an interface able to achieve radically novel types of musical expression without disrupting the natural interaction with the traditional instrument. On the other hand, this research aimed to enable composers with a new instrument capable of allowing them to explore novel pathways for musical creation.