"It was mesmerizing. The sounds that came out of [the hurdy gurdy] - there was no way I couldn't not play this instrument"
For Ryan Kurczak, the path to playing the hurdy gurdy started with an unusual source: Led Zeppelin. The instrument was included in the 1976 film The Song Remains the Same and piqued his interest with its unique sounds.
After years of playing traditional Irish music on mandolin and guitar in a Led Zeppelin cover band, his curiosity led him back to the hurdy gurdy, which he plays with the ensemble Autumn Equinox.
On this week's Sound Currents, listen to music inspired by the upcoming autumnal equinox and all of the cozy feelings associated with this time of year.
Hosts
Sascha Groschang
Laurel Parks
Guest
Ryan Kurczak of Autumn Equinox
Program
Sheeps Waltz - Farewell to Glasgow
by Autumn Equinox
Ryan Kurczak - hurdy gurdy, Claire Sweeny - nyckelharpa, Dave Riggs - bass
Muireans - Midnight On the Sea - Deep Time
by Autumn Equinox
Ryan Kurczak - hurdy gurdy, Claire Sweeny - nyckelharpa, Dave Riggs - bass
Autumn Gardens - III. Giocoso e leggiero
by Einojuhani Rautavaara
Vladimir Ashkenazy with the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra
In an Autumn Garden for Gagaku orchestra
by Toru Takemitsu
The Music Department Of The Imperial Household Agency
