Relationship of Hurdy-Gurdy and Organ?

This is a viola- like instrument that has three to six strings which are rubbed by a wooden wheel, turned by a crank, while the remaining strings are played in fashion similar to an Autoharp. The only possible connection between the Hurdy Gurdy and the Crank Organ, is that both of them have a crank!

1. Is a hurdy-gurdy an organ?
2. What was the function of the hurdy gurdy?
3. Why was the hurdy gurdy invented?
4. What is the history of the hurdy gurdy?

Is a hurdy-gurdy an organ?

The crank-handle which turns the hurdy-gurdy drone-wheel also activates the organ bellows. As well as the pipes at the front of the instrument, there is another set lying horizontally underneath the organ box.
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Organ Hurdy-Gurdy.

What was the function of the hurdy gurdy?

The hurdy-gurdy is a mechanical string instrument that produces sound by a hand-crank-turned, rosined wheel rubbing against the strings. The wheel functions much like a violin bow, and single notes played on the instrument sound similar to those of a violin.

Why was the hurdy gurdy invented?

The origins of the hurdy gurdy are unknown but one theory says that when the Moors invaded Spain they brought with them many stringed and bowed instruments.

What is the history of the hurdy gurdy?

The hurdy-gurdy was first mentioned in the 10th century as the organistrum. It was then a church instrument played by two men, one fingering the keys, one turning the wheel. Secular, one-man forms, called symphonia, appeared in the 13th century.