Black Sails - Hurdy Gurdy

Composer Bear McCreary introduces the various sounds of the hurdy gurdy used his score to "Black Sails."
The soundtrack for the complete first season of "Black Sails" is available now from SPARKS & SHADOWS:
sparksandshadows.net/blacksails/
For more information about "Black Sails," visit the composer's website:
www.bearmccreary.com/#info-cen...

[@THL300]

8 years later and Bear is still killing the hurdy gurdy but at the game awards with Hozier. Absolutely iconic. One of my favorite composers ever.

[@shaunekman5938]

The only long ass theme song you really want to hear every time

[@TheCrayonMaster]

So true!

[@armandmorin5016]

Agreed! But... we never not skipped the "Frontier" opening either.

[@shaunekman5938]

@@armandmorin5016 I wrote this 4 years ago I just got whiplash

[@bouzoukimaster1544]

You forgot sons of anarchy

[@mbickford98]

thats why i love the opening to the expanse. its nice and short but also beautiful music and visuals

[@blammod664]

I love Bear and his creative brain. The music of Black Sails is pure genius.

[@Loffeleif]

You know if it wasn't so ridiculously expensive, I'd buy one so hard.

[@jaydlak]

^

[@SgtAwesome97]

+George WRK Hows your hurdy gurdy coming along man?

[@AndersJackson]

That is a Swedish Grodda-lira. From province/Island Gotland. There are plans on Internet.

[@AndersJackson]

And this is more primitiv and not so expansiv like French one.

[@silentype3008]

You can't find the blueprints for a hurdy gurdy without joining the Hurdy Order of the Gurdy Dawn. It's a highly guarded secret society.

[@MakoTheFrog]

You sir are a genius, and the creator of the best opening score to a tv show i have ever heard. I'd tip my hat if i were wearing one.

[@AspelShuyin]

I love how different the comments here are compared to the vlog he did in 2011 about using the hurdy gurdy for Walking Dead. He was barely playing the thing and doing it all wrong, and the comments were saying that. Here it's great praise.

[@Chimaera500]

Literally the best series ever, and this score only heightens it. Every time I hear the opening theme, it pumps me up!

[@Allenmarshall]

Are you wearing one now?

[@katelist8367]

Absolutely agree! 💯👆👍

[@Alachia]

Best theme song! I never skip the opening credits!

[@glOckcOma]

NEVER AND THAT SAYS A LOT CAUSE TO ME OPENINGS ARE A WASTE OF TIME

[@glennjohnson382]

Alachia Queen i

[@corneliuspalahniuk345]

So true

[@fenrislegacy]

+1 I never skipped Black Sails intro, the music is epic

[@FM-sb9pk]

Word!!!

[@xaap8408]

paused my blacksails ep 8 just to waste 20mins to find out how this instrument was called,totally love the dark dreary sound of it.instant triggers "pirates" in my head.

[@Boniggy2500]

hahah just paused my season 4 to look it up. Go check out the video game Sea of Thieves music on YT. :)

[@dethvx]

One of the most badass show intro's ever. Really captured the atmosphere of the show.

[@chrismedina54]

That opening theme fits that show like a fine glove.

[@majestictomato5586]

The Hurdy Gurdy is, hands down, the COOLEST instrument ever! I absolutely love the Black Sails theme song. The show is the best!

[@GabrielTheGuitarist]

Seriously one of the best shows and themes. Thank you for your work on yet another piece I'll always remember. Sucks the show is off..

[@athecheat]

i was happy how it ended.. and i hate anything ending

[@GabrielTheGuitarist]

@@athecheat they coulld've taken it much much further. at least another 2 seasons

[@Seathal]

The Hurdy Gurdy combined wtih that deep electric basss, all the percussion and the shreeking electric guitars make an awfully awesome song.

[@dnn112233]

This guy is a goddamn genius. Best opening music to any tv show I have ever seen.

[@PirateStewy]

The main title score so perfectly gets one in the mood for an action-packed pirate drama. Mostly from the sound produced by this instrument!

[@GrimkhazThalassa]

THIS IS SO FOOKIN BRILLIANT!!!

[@alisaurus4224]

Just rewatched the show for probably the sixth time, and i don’t think I’ve skipped the theme once. Absolute banger, sir; i commend you

[@ravensthatflywiththenightm7319]

9 years later and I still wish someday they'll release the soundtracks to seasons 2, 3 and 4. 🏴‍☠🏴‍☠🏴‍☠🏴‍☠

[@Blackjacksarmory]

Best opening music to the best show ever made!

[@puppy_pause]

I'd always thought the sound in Black Sails' theme song was from Irish bagpipes, but now that I've become interested in Hurdy Gurdies because they have them in the Sea of Thieves pirate game I found this and it makes SO much sense. I loved your score as much as the show and the opening title graphics. Thanks for being so creative!

[@bacongrease2217]

You’ve created a song that is forever burned into my head to fit any mood, it’s a aggressively sad song that is wicked!

[@PatientenO.T.]

Best show theme song ever. Gets you pumped up and ready for some fun pirate action. :P

[@sloaneperry1938]

I love Black Sails and its theme song! The hurdy gurdy is definitely the most incredibly beautiful sound in that sound track! I just LOOOOVVVEEEE this theme song! It makes me feel incredibly happy when I listen to it! Thank you! 💜

[@brendanmatelan2129]

All of those foreign sounds in the song are what make it great for me. Those sounds are from instruments that you would most likely find on a ship full of thieves and so fourth. All of those instruments combined together make a sound that is both pleasing and different from what most people hear. Overall, a great song and goes along nicely with the theme of the show. Great series and theme song.

[@edthewave]

Two instruments on my "Must Have" list...viola da gamba and hurdy-gurdy! Great work sir!

[@ancestore8767]

You can get both at our store, if you'd be interested to take a look: ancestore.eu/ 😊

[@athecheat]

add a celeste!

[@bufu8435]

happy to know im not the only one sitting through the opening every episode for the music too

[@athecheat]

and the art sculptures are 3d cgi models inspired by artist Kris Kuksi . he's on IG his process is insane instagram.com/p/Bw2R2hql_oo/?

[@MakHash420]

This ST is very special to me just like this show. Thanks for all your work.

[@teslaphysics]

man i love the theme song just because of that instrument! When i watch Black Sails, I let the beginnig credits play thru its entirety just to hear it again! Everytime!

[@Jaded.Hero.Worship]

To this day when I'm in the gym finishing my workout on the rowing machine, I always end it with this theme. It gets me through that last sprint and I can't not get excited hearing that crescendo moment

[@MFI-Miami]

Bear, I learn more about music watching your blogs than I did in music appreciation classes in college.

[@ashphlogiston2463]

Second time watching Black Sails and still getting hooked by the opening score, find myself humming along every time to this theme. I take a bow to you Sir, you are an artist of the highest order. My friend and neighbour, he does not know this yet but I am going to challenge him, is a carpenter in his free time, making fishing tools with amazing results, knives and generally makes things as crossbows and whatever meets his fancy and amazing stuff in general. With a result that makes me go "ooh" every damn single time. Like myself he is stimulated by challenges and tasks that really make you go hmm and often completes them in a fashion that is truly remarkable, I consider myself a pretty good writer, painter and so on, but just when I get the inspiration just right in my soul. He does it by choice which makes me envy him in some ways and in some ways not. When I find my muse, he is beaten easily most times. The pure inspiration that does not need any thinking, just to get it to form is my strenght. So thanks to you Sir Bear, I am going to challenge him in building a Hurdy Gurdy. I have no doubt that he actually can do it if he is interested in the project, he is very, very good at what he does. And a stubborn bastard XD almost like a pirate smelling a large horde of gold :P My own contribution will be to learn to play the instrument, I really love to make music on this instrument and make it work. Although, I have no chance against you Sir Bear ;) I have little hope of actually making this instrument work, I think he is actually going to make it if he feels really inspired, but I am really making a honest shot at this. Wish me luck ;) Thank you mr McReary for making this exceptional music and inspire me with your music, you are a true master of the musical arts :) With utmost respect // AP

[@JacobHG1234]

One of the best theme songs ever made. Period. I’m really glad I found this video. Made me appreciate the show even more

[@Stormthirst]

There are a few TV series that I will rewatch over and over - including Black Sails. Every single one of them - ALL of them have an awesome intro, like the Black Sails intro. And it's always because of the music. So thanks Bear for making such an awesome intro to a TV series I'm going to enjoy many times more.

[@hobofuture]

Really cool theme song one of the best opening credits Iv seen in a loooong time!

[@TK949]

Don't know the show, I bought this soundtrack when it was released (signed edition) just because it said "Bear McCreary" on the cover, but I didn't get to listen to it until a few days ago. And, wow, this is a good score. I think I'll watch the show just because of that.

[@Misterwhiters]

And you did it. I phisically can't skip the intro, it's a sin to skip that masterpiece. And i'm not the only one who thinks this!.

[@imshadi]

I love the way he loves what he does!

[@robinsonwekesa2157]

Mind of art you deserve to be proclaimed the king of hurdy gurdy

[@Alexanderisgreat]

love this show and the theme. very highland sounding.

[@lisazimmerli8547]

Best theme song ever !

[@-BananaLollipop-]

One of the best theme songs ever.

[@Shigawire]

This is an amazing instrument. Way ahead of its time. Think about it, first of all it has a completely unique sound - well, multiple sounds. It also is like a hybrid between violin, keyboard, and the distortion flange effect (wooden flap for the drone, when overspeeding the rotation) even gives it an effect like an electric guitar.

[@dimllc]

I love watching Black Sails! But watching (listening) to the intro, is what gets me into the show. Awesome Mr. McCreary!

[@michaelbrand8279]

Very interesting! Loved the music from "Black Sails"!

[@yjimwhy]

That is awesome. Never would have guessed. Haunting melodies.

[@madmaxhart5579]

I am a sound designer and I used this theme in one of my shows and it really brought the whole show together. Now seeing this video it really helped to explain what all the sounds I was hearing were.

[@mikenaugz88]

Rewatching black sails, again for the 8th time... what a complete shame we don't get to have more of this show..... oh and the hurdy gurdy is AWESOME!!!! And the opening credits are sweet!!!!!!!

[@Aaro4LM]

This is such a cool instrument. It even has an awesome name.

[@wendyhessing1383]

This is amazing!! We watched blacksails and fell in love with the music!!

[@kenanavc5918]

The only opening credit i don't skip after hearing it the first time. It's an absolute masterpiece that represent show's theme so perfectly. And Jon Steinberg's involvement in that stage clearly tells how it was possible. One of the most underrated shows of all time.

[@mikeyplondon]

One of the best TV show theme songs in years. Also, one of the best TV shows in years. Gets better and better as it goes on.

[@Akrafes]

This is the BEST theme song for a series. It adds so much to the series.

[@robreid3101]

Awesome series and soundtrack love it

[@Lesardah]

I binged this show, and never - not once - skipped the intro. That has to be a first. Bear is awesome - letting the constraints of the instrument guide him into new territory to conquer. Veni Vidi Vici, mah brudda. Conquer, you have indeed.

[@nicolesing]

I love this show theme song for black sails.. BRAVO!!! you truly evoked "Pirate" into music.. and introduced my string students to a fun and intriguing instrument! The Hurdy Gurdy !! I confess I watched the show to hear your music and the theme song!! and even years later... I still live hearing this!!

[@biancat.1873]

I got hooked on the show because of it's music! Okay, the show is pretty good too ... ;D

[@biancat.1873]

***** *lol* XD

[@dslkjvoxicuyhgl4554]

Yeah I also used POTC as a measuring stick for this show, and was blown away. They take all the Disney and one liners out of it, throw in suspense, rum, badassery, and best of all Whore Island. Favorite show ever. Not a huge pirate fan but damn is that show good.

[@lauram8504]

I fiiiinally started watching the show, and was immediately in love with the haunting sound of the theme song, and I was like….that’s got to be a hurdy gurdy

[@ThatKrookedVulture]

Yet another reason why Bear is my favorite composer 👏

[@Wolfsbruder2]

love those videos !

[@CARBr6]

I absolutely love the Black Sails theme. Brilliant work!!

[@dragonsofthesky7459]

It made the show so much better and this song so much better. Lovely instrument. Amazing score. My favorite score of any TV Show in fact. My favorite composer too!!!!

[@annemoefaauo7055]

Inspired! Genius. Love it.

[@karllamarre-parent7831]

Well sir. You nailed it. Cause I was watching a video of someone playing the hurdy gurdy and I immediately thought of the Black Sails theme.

[@Lhorkan]

Thanks for showing us these fascinating instruments, and for introducing me to Black Sails!

[@larry-naylor]

The first time I ever saw Black Sails I narrowed down the sound to either the elbow pipes or the gurdy. Even before Black Sails I loved the gurdy so I was super excited to hear Bear McCreary using it so prominently in Black Sails.

[@Americandragonrider333.]

It’s freakin amazing how many instruments this guy can play, and with great skill. And he composes the songs to, Bear McCreary is seriously a legend!

[@googleuser3163]

Honestly he's not a skilled gurdy player, he uses it to good effect but if you compare his playing to... well, *any* other player you will see what I mean. Nigel Eaton or German Diaz for example.

[@unnf9971]

You deffinitely did it man!

[@adamkent639]

primative.... To describe such a complex isntrument.

[@ljtaylor5]

very creative and talented! Love the music, need to hear more!!!!

[@minciNashu]

i love his battlestar galactica soundtrack. there are some pieces in there that just blow minds, especially when you understand from their title what part of the series they refer to.

[@bsg75husker]

blowing minds indeed.. im biased but i think it's the best soundtrack for a tv production, Ever! period! :)

[@kathywells631]

always loved the opening theme never knew it was a hurdy gurdy

[@giannieg]

Those videos about the music of Black Sails turn out to be even more interesting than expected! The pirate man-child in me wants to thank you, Mr. McCreary. :)

[@vetterburns1048]

Wow! Just frakkin' WOW! You are incredible Bear!

[@anthonybowers7571]

Great soundtrack Bear ..fresh but old sounds . I.love it

[@JuanCristobal]

Just one thing Bear McCreary, thanks!!!

[@Robert.S459]

When I watched the first season of Black Sails I was convinced that the instrument creating those incredible sounds was Irish Uilleann Pipes. Great theme for a great series. Back then it was free.

[@a1142730]

really awesome!! once got in my head, couldn't get it out. love it!

[@ryanhalloran3043]

Black Sails totally turned me onto the hurdy gurdy in a huuuuuge way. SUCH a badass instrument!!!

[@dylanlewis5113]

Back in 2014, I had to do a school report on the Hurdy Gurdy. Wish I knew about "Black Sails" back then. I would've used the theme as my example song.

[@billieverdi1570]

That one is going to be a really good one I love the sound

[@halfwayoutofthedark8]

Beautiful and lovely. ♥

[@jamesbond2416]

Amazing opening. Great creation.

[@Aleister_E.]

Black Sails introduced me to the Hurdy-Gurdy, and now I am finding myself obsessed with them. I love the sounds they make and want to learn to play one myself.

[@artes.impias]

Great video, thank your for creating this epic theme for this epic show.

[@LordBelakor]

such an awesom theme fitting the series so greatly

[@BjornAndreasBull-Hansen]

This is awesome.

[@TheH3dgie]

This man. Genius.

[@grambo1980]

One of the best intros

[@AndersJackson]

Hurdy Gurdy is the medieval synth. And it is actually a Swedish model, a Grodda Lira, (Vevlira). From the Island Gotland in the Baltic Sea,

[@seaangel6667]

That is an AWESOME instrument!!! Hurdy Gurdy is such a different sound & all very pleasing to the ear. Yes you are so are right Gurdy & Sails are so one. Have Sails now I want to learn how to play the Gurdy. ❤❤❤

[@sammoretti5625]

dude, this video was needed, sooooo cool

[@ForEver_Alone999]

I loved the music great job

[@white_wolf79]

Well done Mr McCreary , easily one of favorite's theme songs .

[@kittenchild]

This video is very interesting and now entices Me to listen more carefully when watching Black Sails.

[@quakerninja]

I would have liked more seasons but I'm happy with how it was resolved. Thank you for the youtube content, great to hear from you.

[@jeffjones5035]

Coolest video I have seen in a long time.

[@LanguagesofMiddleEarth]

I love this channel! As a want-to-be composer, I find this channel very informative and inspirational!

[@jonslg240]

What you did for the intro music to this show is amazing. I'm not even a musician, or a big music fan..but to my ears it is brilliant.

[@ijornhribrudkrvir]

I'd kill to have the other season's scores available to listen to. My favorite soundtrack ever

[@cosuinofdeath]

Magnificent creative mind

[@bagrym]

awesome tune, i didnt even know something like this instrument existed