I decided to record a new solo album for the hurdy-gurdy because there was simply a need for it. After concerts, I increasingly heard questions about music in this format—the hurdy-gurdy on its own, without an ensemble or additional instruments. This album is a response to those conversations. I realized that I could create unique, new music on this extraordinary instrument. My search for an innovative sound required the use of electronics.
The album was recorded using overdubbing, layer by layer. All the sounds that appear on it come exclusively from the hurdy-gurdy—although in many places they are electronically processed, expanding the instrument’s sound beyond its traditional limits.
The album features only my own compositions. It is a personal, solo statement in which the hurdy-gurdy becomes not only an acoustic instrument, but also a source of rhythmic structures, textures, and sonic spaces. Here, tradition meets modernity, and a single instrument creates an entire musical world.
This album was created out of curiosity, necessity, and conversations with the audience—and it is dedicated to them.
Joachim Mencel
