To those saying he isn't playing it, you obviously don't know how instruments work. The Hurdy-Gurdy, like the bagpipe or banjo, is a drone instrument. This means there is a constant, underlying hum that holds true in bagpipes and can be adjusted in banjos. This is where the banjo and the Hurdy-Gurdy are similar. One can play a Hurdy-Gurdy without touching its strings. This is what he's doing. he's simply tuning the drone with the melody of the song. Absolutely a valid use of the instrument.
La Vielle ROUX is the name for this old French instrument...often carved with George Sands on the head scroll. I have an explanation on my channel or seanthepiper
I'm not big on awards and don't think they really matter but sometimes it just annoys me when artists aren't given their due. Alison Krauss should have easily won the Oscar for this song.
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Good God. Are there no depths which will remain un-plumbed by Sting? He's a crappy musician and a truly crappy gurdy player. And seeing as that's in relation to other gurdy players this should give you some idea of the complete and all consuming uselessness of the man. It wouldn't be too bad, but he'll probably get some sort of award for this. I hate to be uncharitable, but it is kind of necessary that the music industry should be made aware when something is this god awful.
It is indeed a Hurdy Gurdy but, Sting is not actually playing it. He is just wearing it and turning the crank. I suspect that it was rigged to make no sound at all. it is a prop. This is just posing.
For the record, The "other" name for this instrument is Vielle a Roue (wheel fiddle). Hurdy Gurdy is the common name used for both this instrument and the barrel organ. The barrel organ is the thing you would see someone cranking on with a monkey in a costume collecting tips in a cup.
To those saying he isn't playing it, you obviously don't know how instruments work. The Hurdy-Gurdy, like the bagpipe or banjo, is a drone instrument. This means there is a constant, underlying hum that holds true in bagpipes and can be adjusted in banjos. This is where the banjo and the Hurdy-Gurdy are similar. One can play a Hurdy-Gurdy without touching its strings. This is what he's doing. he's simply tuning the drone with the melody of the song. Absolutely a valid use of the instrument.
TheOneThatFlewOver 4 months ago
La Vielle ROUX is the name for this old French instrument...often carved with George Sands on the head scroll. I have an explanation on my channel or seanthepiper
HEADSUPBERKELEY 11 months ago
bummer the sound isn't good because it's one of the most beautiful performances, you can't even turn up the volume argh!!
ginasutube 1 year ago
Either this one or The Scarlet Tide should have won for Best Original Song!!
thedrmat 1 year ago
ooh thanks for uploading this, ive been looking for this live performace since i saw it on the academy awards <3
raidenn182 1 year ago
I'm not big on awards and don't think they really matter but sometimes it just annoys me when artists aren't given their due. Alison Krauss should have easily won the Oscar for this song.
kingmojopin0 1 year ago 2
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Good God. Are there no depths which will remain un-plumbed by Sting? He's a crappy musician and a truly crappy gurdy player. And seeing as that's in relation to other gurdy players this should give you some idea of the complete and all consuming uselessness of the man. It wouldn't be too bad, but he'll probably get some sort of award for this. I hate to be uncharitable, but it is kind of necessary that the music industry should be made aware when something is this god awful.
DrStrangetrousers 1 year ago
Flawless.
SuperChaser101 1 year ago
Finally an Academy Award version. BUT THE SOUND BLOWS LARGE DONKEY PENIS!!! if at all possible, please fix...
DemonDamien 1 year ago
Sorry. I have crappy capture software and/or lack the skills to fix it from within. I think think this is the best it's gonna get.
suzannekatherine 1 year ago
It is indeed a Hurdy Gurdy but, Sting is not actually playing it. He is just wearing it and turning the crank. I suspect that it was rigged to make no sound at all. it is a prop. This is just posing.
For the record, The "other" name for this instrument is Vielle a Roue (wheel fiddle). Hurdy Gurdy is the common name used for both this instrument and the barrel organ. The barrel organ is the thing you would see someone cranking on with a monkey in a costume collecting tips in a cup.
hurdygurdy001 2 years ago
The instrument is called a hurdy gurdy. Those of us of a certain age will recall the song "Hurdy Gurdy Man" by Donovan.
Bevoe 2 years ago
OMG, I've been searching for this version forever!
Sabu150 2 years ago
This song is so beautiful!!
wickedcat29 3 years ago
What is the name of the instrument Sting is playing??
gunneralquist 3 years ago
It is apparently called a Hurdy-Gurdy.
suzannekatherine 3 years ago
...Wich he is'nt really playing at all!
madskh 1 year ago
It's a hurdy gurdy
katford7286 3 years ago
Go h-álainn.
classynash 3 years ago