On Arts Wednesday 10 April 2019, Sylvia’s guest was Michael Atherton, probably best described as an all-round musical genius, reputed to be able to play every musical instrument known to mankind! This conversation is about the hurdy gurdy, a most unusual instrument – part barrel organ, part bagpipe, part violin, part keyboard and part lute! Hear Michael play it and talk about it, including its very long history.

The cover image is a detail from Hieronymous Bosch’s painting, The Garden of Earthly Delights from 1515, showing the hurdy gurdy.