BEOWULF: Hurdy-Gurdy & Theremin
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ต.ค. 2008
- This is a short excerpt from the 8th century epic tale of BEOWULF. The instrument I am using to accompany myself is called a hurdy-gurdy , a popular instrument of medieval Europe. The hurdy-gurdy in this video was made for me by Alden and Cali Hackmann of Olympic Musical Instruments in Indianola, Washington, and is a fully equipped electro-acoustic instrument with a built-in sound console.
Hurdy-gurdy players, like bagpipe players, cannot control the volume of their instruments which makes it difficult to use for accompanying the human voice but the intensity and sheer volume of the instrument also made it ideal for great halls and public places in ancient times. One advantage that it has is that it is a complete instrument, able to play melody, harmony and rhythm.
The hurdy-gurdy in this video is plugged into an RSP Technologies Intelliverb processor which I control with a MIDI Ground Control foot switch. The only other instrument used in this video is a Moog Ethervox theremin.
The original Beowulf epic was written in Old English which is no longer spoken and cannot be understood by English speakers today. I used a modern adaptation of the words for this video. For anyone who is interested, I have posted the text to my website, along with some closeup photos of the hurdy-gurdy. You can also hear a stereo mp3 of the song just as it was performed, without the TH-cam distortion.
www.PeterPringle.com - เพลง
![Varangian Guard: Brothers of the North Sea [Old English/Old Norse/Medieval Greek] | The Skaldic Bard](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/KyAKL2_ix14/mqdefault.jpg)
Please stop complaining about recording quality! Remember this recording is 1200 years old. It's miracle it even survived.
lol
I Agree, Some of my favourite musical pieces ever were recorded poorly but its not the sound quality that counts its the Soul of the Music that is paramount !
And this Sounds Enchanting , Unbridled and well Preformed ,Magical in Every Way!
Peter Take A Bow!
Totally agree. Without Peter where would so much music be.
Lol
When my kids ask for a bedtime story, this is what I will do for them.
Fantastic nightmares!
Do you have kids now? Its been 10 years haha
Tells a story about a monster getting his arm torn off
@@sasquatchdonut2674 *replays the story with the kids for full experience*
@@sasquatchdonut2674 His kids are going going to be kings, not weaklings
And Beowulf came into the place
Where giant Grendel stood, of twisted face.
And strewn upon a beach as black as coal
The whitened bones of warriors of old.
Many had come, and many here had died,
Still, “I am Beowulf of the Goths!” he cried.
But poisoned silence filled the air with dread
Where shadow-walkers feasted on the dead.
And Beowulf slew the fiend with mighty hand
And cast its severed head upon the sand.
A mournful cry came up from caverns deep,
The demon’s mother wakened from her sleep.
The Queen of Darkness, mistress of the night,
Beguiler of men and enemy of light,
She sang a song of sorrow in her den
And swore revenge on all the sons of men
Incredible job. But I'd definitely love to hear it in the original Old English. A friend's wife used to recite Old English when I had them over for parties. It's beautiful and mysterious, feeling so familiar yet so alien at the same time.
I am 100% ready to pay good money to listen to a full version rendered on this level.
I'm such a fan of this man. He has an exquisite voice and his skill on so many musical instruments is amazing.
Hello, time to revisit this masterpiece
Texti:
Og Beowulf kom á staðinn
Þar sem risinn Grendel stóð með snúið andlit
Og stráð á ströndina svarta eins og kol
Hvíta bein kappa forðum
Margir voru komnir og margir hér höfðu látist
Enn ég er Beowulf af Gotunum grét hann
En eitruð þögn fyllti loftið með ótta
Þar sem skuggagöngumenn veisla dauðum
Og Beowulf drap fjandann með voldugri hendi
Og kastaðu afskorinni hendi sinni á sandinn
Dauðans grátur kom upp úr djúpum hellisins
Móðir púkans vaknaði af svefni
Drottning myrkurs húsmóður næturinnar
Rofari manna og óvinur ljóssins
Hún söng sorgarsöng í holunni sinni
Og sór hefnd á alla mannanna syni
That's eerily close to modern swedish (and probably closer still to Icelandic!) I can actually easily read it!
@@hamstsorkxxor I think that is Icelandic actually
@@wilhelmseleorningcniht9410 linguist here, Beowulf was written in Old English, and while it’s still English, at the time the alphabet was very much similar to the Norse alphabet at the time, and much of the Old Norse alphabet lives on today in Norwegian and Icelandic!
@@childish_xambino7701 ah you're misunderstanding me then. I know Beowulf is in Old English, but what the original comment contains isn't Old English but some other language like Icelandic.
Especially for short comment chains, you ought to read the context before replying willy-nilly.
it was specifically the bit from the one commenting underneath it
"That's eerily close to modern swedish (and probably closer still to Icelandic"
This person had clearly misunderstood what language the original comment was in, considering that it *is* Icelandic.
You can tell it's Icelandic by words like 'og' (instead of and/ond), 'drottning' (the drottinn part is cognate with Dryhten in Old English), 'myrkur' (instead of something more like myrce/mirce, or just deorc), or just the simple fact that Old English isn't written with umlauts, in fact the vowel similar to that had already unrounded by that point in time.
@@wilhelmseleorningcniht9410 ah indeed I was, thanks for clearing it up. It was pretty late here when I wrote that so I think perhaps my brain was not working as well as it was supposed to.
Modern day bard... I feel the energy from each and every one of your songs, and they are amazing. You are truly in touch with the magic from the days of old.
l recently listened to this while traversing the countryside of Wiltshire, England on a sunny, blustery autumn day. It was fabulous.
If you ever feel crazy enough to make an entire album of the musical retelling, I'd buy it.
this is soooo cool. my hairs stand up on the back of my neck. i can really feel the medieval soul this song has
You have to upload this again in better quality :D Love it!
There is a download link on his site to a higher quality mp3 version. Here is the direct link to the page as his site is kinda broke right now. www.peterpringle.com/Hurdy-Gurdy.html
@@matthewnelson6103 LEGEND!
@@matthewnelson6103 That version seems to have been taken down, does anyone have the high quality one saved?
@@matthewnelson6103 The link leads to...nothing.
@@legionpuppy9141 ya I have
This music transports me to the ancient world! It is haunting and mystical and I have listened it many many times already. ...it presses all the ancient genetic buttons and more so one's 'Heart'...amazing.
*medieval
Im sorry
Although it may sound pathetic, I literally feel my heart when you sing ... is it too stupid to write ? But no help - it's true ! ... I will never forget the first moment I heard you sing. It was that incredible egyptian love song ...
i totally understand you, this man has an enchanting voice that even after some time, i keep coming back to hear the songs ive heard countless times before. Its almost like he's got a spirit from said era possessing him in every song.
It is not pathetic to feel emotions. It is a shame that some people follow this idea that men must be stoic, unshakable, and unfeeling. No one achieves that, and even if they did, who would want that kind of life? What if life without emotion? What is life without crying? What is life if you keep it all in a bottle that you never open until it bursts by itself and someone gets hurt. Do not live a life like that, a life of no feelings. Feel.
I heard him for the first time singing The Epic Of Gilgamesh In Sumerian, his voice is really overwhelming.
Yes.
I felt the same way.
His voice & talent are unmatched imho.
The Egyptian Love Song…I really have no words.
I first heard one of the songs of Gilgamesh and yeah, it caught me, though that Greek one where he talks about the Kithara, like.. oh m'lord, I want more of that! XD
But yes, his voice is hypnotizing.
This dude is THE most kick ass Hurdy Gurdy player I have ever seen. Breathtaking stuff. What a voice too...
The most musiically talented man I ever heard.
Dear Sir Peter Pringle , you are exceptional and amazing... bless you
I love how the Theremin, a super soviet instrument, blends so well with a medieval European instrument. The music in this video also reminds me of Middle Eastern music.
it shows how we're all not so different
Skypad00 The black notes on the Hurdy Gurdy were added during the crusades so it is very likely inspired by Middle Eastern music!
That's very interesting indeed!
Fuck inferior ugly usa we all enjoy a good song though
@Fuck inferior ugly usa Slightly, but not really. We're all largely the same.
Imagine sat a round a fire with your fellows, the only sound a crackling fire, the cold air drafting through the large doors and windows of your longhouse, the smell of roast pork and this- ringing out and enrapturing your imagination.
What an experience it must have been...
Wuldor Hahahahaha why are you so mad hahahaha
Yo thats some seriously good imagery
i would be wondering why the doors and windows are open if there's a draft
Of course there might be bird droppings from the eves but we's ignore that :D
Suddenly a white furred troll taller than three stacked up oxen, bursts wide open through the large double doors, releasing in the furious frozen wind along with which the rancid odor of the creature also hits the hall. With it's tremendous strength, it seemingly effortlessly throws the torso of a half-eaten maiden that comes crashing on the table and tumbles towards the middle, spewing blood and organs all over... Roll for initiative!
it truly is a shame this form of song is no longer popular...in my opinion it is far more beautiful than todays form of music.
I remember trying to make sense of this epic poem when I read it in the 10th grade. I failed at it. Ewan MacCall once said that these ballads required
an audience that was intelligent and persistent. The ballads require as much from the listener as from the performer. Thank you
I had no idea that there were such complex instruments in Medieval Europe. (Of course, I'm discounting the electronic component and the theremin.) Thank you, Mr Pringle.
This is one of the best songs on youtube!! Pure magic :-)
I cried when I first heard this. Not only because the hypnotic feel enchants and stirs the soul and the poetry reads like melting butter over a beer marinated voice. But the connection I felt to my ancestors and my culture made me choke up and forced tears to stream down my cheeks.
English culture is now somewhat repressed and ignored nowadays, (in England) and I had never heard or was aware of anything like this. So yeah, when I first heard it, I finally felt like I belonged to something, it was beautiful.
Cool how the Theremin almost sounds like her song of anger and agony
I listened it while smoking weed! It was so amazing.
You don't need weed or any other experience enhancing drugs to tap into these feelings, just release your tension and open your self up to any feelings that might arise
d
My husband is building a theramin for himself (he loves it) and I have been saving up forever for a hurdy gurdy....this made me so happy to see them both together.
This is one of the best things I have ever heard in both textural and musical aspect
Telling an ancient story on a hurdy gurdy is badass, but then this mans right here whips out an epic theramin solo
He needs more recognition for his unique talent.
I was mesmerized when I first viewed this video. Magnificent! When I thought it couldn't get any better, I realized that you were using the Theremin as the Demon-Mother's voice. Pure genius! Thank you.
Eddie Van Halen's old guitar tech introduced me to this, & I have been listening to it for five years now. Worthy stuff...
The Hurdy-gurdy hits a spot very deep in the soul...
Centuries from now, when people ask "what was TH-cam and what was it for?", we will play them this.
and tell the tale about how youtube were conquered by a hostile entity and how this entity changed youtube to a us corporate style for a channel which is a joke for all outside us
Hello Mr.Mills 👋🏻
Coincidently (😏)i am rockin' the hell out of Ayreon's "The day that the World breaks down"
Your 01-part was beyond believe and it is absolutely no wonder to find a singer like yourself in this area of youtube.
Mr.Pringles late work is so
precious to one's soul and must be preserved for the younger folks for inspiration!
Wish you all the best with your music and god bless you!
Greetz from Bonn/Germany 👋🏻🌞🕊
Re record this in HD quality, and this would be a huge hit!
I can feel the sorrow of the demons mother.......incredible piece of art
...thanks for sharing Maestro, chapeau 😱
BREATHTAKINGLY BEAUTIFUL
Randi Fishenfeld I agree it just needs death vocals to be more badass
This is unbelievably beautiful. I stumbled upon this and am so glad I did.
This is fantastic. I would have you in my hall to play for the feast anytime.
This is truly magnificent. Mr. Pringle you are a treasure for bringing us these beautiful songs from ancient times....
This is still one of my favourite videos on the internet. So epic.
O. MY GOSH. Beowulf AND Hurdy Gurdy? Beowulf IN Hurdy Gurdy??? I was not aware people this epic still existed. :,)
Magnificent .. one of my favourite things on TH-cam
Yes - beg borrow or steal the best video equipment you can your performances are absolutely stunning - as well as the care with which you have chosen performance spaces....
The sound of hurdy-gurdy's great, echoing like in a cathedral or a great hall - I feel like I was in a viking's meadhall, listening to a bard. Due to men like these, the Medieval Era lives on! Eargasmic music.
The Queen of Darkness, mistress of the night,
Beguiler of men and enemy of light,
She sang a song of sorrow in her den
And swore revenge on all the sons of men.
This is priceless.He is keeping the ancient oral traditions alive.These songs connect us to our past.considering the headlong flight into the future we are now in;We need this atavistic link, cause
the truth of our past is being erased to make way for it
I remember reading Beowulf in elementary school and being awestruck by the poetry. This really took me back.
Dear Hearts: I can imagine a version where you would sing Seamua Heaney's translation - or even in the Old English (which, surprisingly, I understand. I had an amazing Old Engliish Literature professor in college back in the '70's who instilled in me the love of Old English) with this instrumentation. I love the hurdy-gurdy. Stunning work. All Love
Best translation is William Morris'
Can't find any words to describe what I've felt while listening... It's just amazing...
I get crazy goose bumps and chills throughout my body every time I listen to this!
I actually love this channel
It's odd, my sister had to leave the room as I was listening to this song, Gilgamesh, Egyptian Love Song and others. She was not moved by these timeless works. I cannot understand how her heart cannot dance and how her soul is not soothed and energized by this music.
There are some poor souls who have lost contact with their emotions. Sometimes that can be as a result of deep trauma experienced early in this life or in a previous life.
w*man moment
shes crying outside, duh. its just embarrasing to be found out crying when hearing this such emotion.
Because something old or ancient = good....
Don't get me wrong i am interested in the lyrics but the way he sings and the sound of the instruments are mostly urgh...
And to be honest, most of the songs aren't "deeply" moving. Take the Egyptian love song for e.g. it is very plain and simple and actually nothing special, its basically a "Oh you are so sexy woman" - generic love song.
Personally, I get it; this is still archaic music that most people don't listen to
Fantastic, pure Artistry. I love the incorporation of story, music and voice: it takes me back tp previous lifetimes, or feels like it anyway. Thank you!
I keep coming back to this. What a beautiful performance!
I've listened to alot of Peter Pringle's covers in different languages, so it threw me off to hear something in English. I'm like, "what language is this???"😂
You do great work Peter!!
Beautiful work. This is truly what makes people want to explore both Beowulf and works played on this ancient instrument.
Amazing spiritual experience. Peter Pringle, you are a gift!
i really wish i could hear the whole thing like this... words fall short. gratitude!
The two strangest instruments in the world make for a beautiful combination.
How beautiful - thank you for sharing!
En Beowulf kaam te plak
Wêr't reus Grendel fan draaid gesicht stie
En struid op in strân swart as stienkoal
De wite bonken fan krigers fan âlds
In protte wiene kommen en in protte hjir wiene ferstoarn
Noch altyd bin ik Beowulf fan 'e Goaten rôp er
Mar fergiftige stilte folde de loft mei eangst
Wêr't Shadow Walkers feestje op 'e deaden
En Beowulf deade de fijân mei machtige hân
En smiet syn ôfsniene hân op it sân
In stjerlike gjalp kaam omheech út 'e djipte fan' e grot
De mem fan 'e demon wekker út har sliep
De keninginne fan 'e tsjusterens mefrou fan' e nacht
Beguiler fan manlju en fijân fan ljocht
Se song in fersang yn har hoale
En swarde wraak op alle soannen fan 'e minsken
Shadow walkers, skeadugangin , aren't sure of spelling, been a lifetime since last thought of that
@@mikereilly7629 west Frisian is very similar to old english
Fabulous! What a treasure you bring. Thank you.
Thats one of the most haunting things I've ever heard. Magnificent.
Thank you so much for uploading this here!
Oh sweet heavens I’m in love with this man’s voice and music !!! Just phenomenal !!!
Excellent .
BEAUTIFUL !!!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
gorgeous! transfixing! such a perfectly clear and attuned musicality.
This song makes me want to grab my sword and shield and test my mettle on the battlefield.
just wonderful!
You know, I keep coming back to this one. Very nice.
Song for a great escape! Thank you!
fabulous...amazing .... this sound comes from paradise
Wow. Not just the magic of the hurdy, but the overall presentation. Awesome singing, wonderful pace, great presence. Tantalizing excerpt, just enough for me to want to read the epic yet again.
This is very well done.
*tips hat*
You re as awesome!I am Russian but feeling that beowulf is our common legendary history.And that music...It have no one false note.Just feelings! Thank you.The best music that I know.Dmitry
Beautiful! Mystical.
fantastic..
magnificent...
it trully gives me the shivers...
I still think this is the best video on TH-cam. Ever.
Exquisite! Breathtaking.
😍 so glad I found this. Fantastic rendition.
What an amazing Musician ...
Thank you for this feeling.
Master Bard 🙏🙌
I wondered whether anyone had ever used a hurdy gurdy and a theremin together on the same recording so I googled it and found this brilliant stunning performance. Thanks Mr. Pringle!
stur LinG'
Amazing! I love it. Thank you so much for posting this!
This is a wonderful song and it has two of my favorite unique instruments in it too! I'd love to hear more songs with Hurdy gurdy and theremin together!!
I cried. Beautiful ❤
Ultracool! Thanks for sharing this!
The epic poem from Old English coming to life, the Legendary Beowulf
This is really fantastic. I would buy a full length recording of this in a heartbeat.
Just awesome!!!
This is one of the coolest things I've ever seen and heard! Put up more videos like this!!! You're an epic bard!
Love this one! Love, love, love!
If there is a time machine, it is in this music performed by this man in this piece.
What a beautiful fascinating sound!!!
Totally AMAZING!!
OH my God this is magnificent !!! Thanks ask for explaining everything it's very interesting ! I love it !
Liza
Beautiful!
OH MY GOD!
WE ARE ALL DOOMED! THE HURDY GURDY IS ACTIVATED!!!!!
AHHHH
Just...hypnotic...amazing
That must be beastly to tune.
soslothful I'd assume you'd mute all the strings but the one you're tuning.
you can mute them with your fingers OR you can take them off the wheel...
Currently rereading this classic. So awesome!
I LOVE THIS!!!!! the sound is amazing!!!!