Hi, Jon,
I've read Captains Courageous a number of times but I can't remember
the exact instrument in the book. However, it doesn't play that big a
role in the story which may be part of why I don't remember it. I
didn't care for the movie as it departed so strongly from the book
which I read first. I imagine Kipling knew about gurdies but frankly,
taking one on even a steel ship would be troublesome for everyone let
alone the instrument! I have read of a French sailor carrying one
with him on board of a sailing ship but when he took it out to play
(on land after a long sea voyage) it had essentially fallen apart due
to dampness during the trip. I've played on board of a variety of
boats from permanently moored "exhibit" ships such as the ones at
Mystic or San Francisco and on boats under sail. Neither situation
was easy despite having a very stable Volksgurdy.
Not to pry, but if you live near Seattle you aren't so far from me and
a lot of other players. Come out to the jam at the Couth Buzzard if
you get the chance! We'd love to meet you and your instrument. The
Couth Buzzard is a very nice bookstore/coffee house in Greenwood and a
great place to play.
Hope to see you there!
Felicia.
On Apr 7, 2011, at 2:18 PM, Jon Lucas wrote:
Just received my instrument (finally!) so this seemed a good time to
introduce myself to the forum. I'm a retired Master Mariner living in
a small town near Seattle. I'm especially interested in old Scottish
songs and transcribing themes from classical music and adapting them
to the HG. I've wanted a hurdy gurdy for a long time but it wasn't
practical taking it on ship board. Now I'm retired, maybe I can learn
to play the beast. BTW, I chanced to see the old movie Captains
Courageous the other day and was intrigued to see a hurdy gurdy as a
main plot device. Does anyone know of other movies which feature the
instrument as part of the story, rather than just a walk-on
appearance?
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
Groups "hurdygurdy" group.
To post to this group, send email to [email protected]
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
[email protected]
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/hurdygurdy
The rules of posting, courtesy, and other list information may be
found at http://hurdygurdy.com/mailinglist/index.htm. To reduce
spam, posts from new subscribers are held pending approval by the
webmaster.
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
Groups "hurdygurdy" group.
To post to this group, send email to [email protected]
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
[email protected]
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/hurdygurdy
The rules of posting, courtesy, and other list information may be found at
http://hurdygurdy.com/mailinglist/index.htm. To reduce spam, posts from new
subscribers are held pending approval by the webmaster.
