Hurdy Gurdy Player
Sergio Gonzalez Prats
Sergio Gonzalez Prats is a world-renowned hurdy gurdy player and teacher, director of Saüc Ensemble, and passionate about history, musicology and early music. He is also the author of “The Cranker” a hurdy gurdy book, that will be released in mid 2024.
About Hurdy Gurdy Player Sergio González Prats
Sergio Gonzalez Prats, a dedicated Hurdy Gurdy player and teacher from Barcelona, Spain. He’s also a proud member of the Spanish Society of Musicology (SEdeM).
His musical journey includes studying under renowned musicians, notably the Cretan Lyra master Kelly Thoma. Under Thoma’s guidance, Sergio developed a unique musical language, blending Mediterranean phrasing and ornamentation with a historically informed approach drawn from Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque sources.
Driven by his passion for music, Sergio has traversed the globe, offering seminars and captivating audiences in various countries such as Australia, France, Belgium, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Germany, Czech Republic, Poland, Greece, Turkey, United Kingdom, and the USA.
What sets Sergio apart is his profound interest in the historical and cultural contexts of the music he plays. As a hurdy gurdy player, his exploration of musical traditions from diverse regions and time periods reflects his commitment to gaining a deeper understanding of the music he cherishes. This is also reflected in his hurdy gurdy book.
Inform yourself about the Hurdy Gurdy reading some articles
Learn Hurdy Gurdy on my Youtube Channel
What’s historical musicology?
Historical musicology, an engaging discipline, delves into the musical traditions across epochs, providing invaluable insights into the evolution of music through time. It scrutinizes compositions, performance practices, and socio-cultural contexts. Musicologists analyze scores, unearth archival materials, and scrutinize historical documents to trace musical style development.
The discipline, with a focus not only on technical aspects but also on broader historical, cultural, and societal landscapes, employs various methodologies. These range from scrutinizing musical notation to exploring cultural significance. For instance, it examines how musical expressions mirror or challenge prevailing social norms. Historical musicology connects musical creations to broader historical narratives, revealing a symbiotic relationship shaping both music and society.
Scholars use tools like comparative analysis to trace the diffusion of musical styles across regions and periods. The field sheds light on lesser-known compositions, offering a comprehensive understanding of the musical landscape. In essence, historical musicology serves as a bridge connecting the past and present, fostering nuanced appreciation for human creativity expressed through sound.
Undoubtedly, the field’s holistic approach, coupled with dedication to preserving cultural heritage, makes it indispensable for unraveling profound stories embedded in the world’s musical history. Therefore, through my hurdy gurdy book I wanted to reflect this passion and love for the instrument and musicology.