Program Listing

Organistrum (2021)

Program Notes

The organistrum (pl. “organistra”) is an instrument from the High Middle Ages and a precursor to the hurdy-gurdy. It is played by turning a wheel that rubs against a resonating string to produce a drone, over which simple melodies are played on its other strings. Like the hurdy-gurdy, the organistrum had multiple roles in daily life, from being a favored instrument of street musicians to the accompaniment for early chant in sacred services.

I find myself increasingly drawn to the art and culture of the Middle Ages as an analogue to our own time. Though there was great discovery through those centuries–and moments of profound illumination–it was also a time of fear of the unknown and a rejection of logic and science. These parallels to our world now compelled me to write this music which evokes the sounds of the Medieval juxtaposed against sonorities and techniques of our time.

Organistra was written in gratitude and admiration for Demarre McGill, Anthony McGill, and the Aizuri String Quartet and was commissioned by the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society.

@2022 David Ludwig