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Hi, my name is Jim Kendros. I'm a composer and concert artist, and I specialize in performing on the Hurdy Gurdy. I'd like to share a story with you. It's a story about one of the most difficult situations a concert artist can face. Imagine this:
You are the featured soloist with one of Chicago's finest orchestras. You're about to go onstage to an audience of several hundred highly discerning patrons of classical music. They have heard about the Hurdy Gurdy. They are curious, yet cautious in their final appraisal of the instrument. One small mishap will only confirm their impressions that the Hurdy Gurdy isn't a legitimate instrument for the classical concert hall. |
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The program consists of four works, the main one being Haydn's wonderful Notturno # 2. Originally composed for the Lira Organizatta ( a close relative of the Hurdy Gurdy), this is the first known performance in the Chicago area featuring a Hurdy Gurdy with orchestra. It is late February in Chicago. The weather is cold and dry. Your Hurdy Gurdy is only three weeks old and has not had time to become adapted to the changeable climate conditions in Chicago.
If this were any other instrument, you could count on unwanted squeals from the wheel, tangents going suddenly out of tune and a host of other unpredictable catastrophes-to say nothing of the demands of performing the music.
But this is not any Hurdy Gurdy. It is the La Priel, built by George and Anwyn Leverett of Altarwind Music. Featuring three chanters, the instrument's craftsmanship is unparelled. Thanks to the magnificent decorative artwork by Anwyn, the instrument looks as beautiful as it sounds.
The first work on the program is Rameau's beautiful Mussette. The Bourdon strings on the La Priel create a luxurious tapestry to which the violinists can float upon.
Next comes the Haydn work. The La Priel beautifully expresses the courtly elegance of this music. It's keys effortlessly bend to your fingers, the tones from the instrument bringing out colors which would have delighted Haydn himself.
Finally comes your encore: Beethoven's Ode to Joy and Mouret's Fanfare Rondeau (better known as the Theme from Masterpiece Theatre). The chanters sing the immortal melodies, the Trompette lively filling the vast hall with rhythms that quicken the pulse. The final vibrations are uttered and a second later the audience bursts with applause of approval.
My findings? The La Priel can deliver beautiful music under any circumstance, anywhere, anytime. The instrument is that good.
My advice? Contact Altarwind Music. Make sure you get a La Priel for yourself.
Thanks, George and Anwyn. You've helped launch my concert career. The music of the great masters is beautifully expressed through your incredible instruments!'
If this were any other instrument, you could count on unwanted squeals from the wheel, tangents going suddenly out of tune and a host of other unpredictable catastrophes-to say nothing of the demands of performing the music.
But this is not any Hurdy Gurdy. It is the La Priel, built by George and Anwyn Leverett of Altarwind Music. Featuring three chanters, the instrument's craftsmanship is unparelled. Thanks to the magnificent decorative artwork by Anwyn, the instrument looks as beautiful as it sounds.
The first work on the program is Rameau's beautiful Mussette. The Bourdon strings on the La Priel create a luxurious tapestry to which the violinists can float upon.
Next comes the Haydn work. The La Priel beautifully expresses the courtly elegance of this music. It's keys effortlessly bend to your fingers, the tones from the instrument bringing out colors which would have delighted Haydn himself.
Finally comes your encore: Beethoven's Ode to Joy and Mouret's Fanfare Rondeau (better known as the Theme from Masterpiece Theatre). The chanters sing the immortal melodies, the Trompette lively filling the vast hall with rhythms that quicken the pulse. The final vibrations are uttered and a second later the audience bursts with applause of approval.
My findings? The La Priel can deliver beautiful music under any circumstance, anywhere, anytime. The instrument is that good.
My advice? Contact Altarwind Music. Make sure you get a La Priel for yourself.
Thanks, George and Anwyn. You've helped launch my concert career. The music of the great masters is beautifully expressed through your incredible instruments!'