Carillon

CARILLON. - Perhaps from Low Latin quadrilio (group of four bells). A set of bells, generally small, tuned to a scale; used from as early as the 13th century in Flanders and northern Germany, then in England, it was very much in vogue around the 15th century.

The bells, grouped in a small space, are struck externally; in this way precise sounds and short melodies are obtained. If large, carillons are operated by a mechanical device; if small, they are played with a keyboard struck by a hammer; when a keyboard and pedalboard were applied to them, a true literature of compositions of their own began. Belgium above all had families of famous carillon builders and virtuosos, among whom the organist Matthias van den Gheiden was most celebrated. The cathedrals of Bruges, Mechelen, Tournai and Leuven still boast carillons of worldwide fame. The Chinese considered the pien-chua, an instrument very similar to our carillon, ancient, from the time of Confucius. The orchestral carillon is composed of very small bells, has a keyboard and produces ringing and cheerful sounds. The carillon with metal plates, with an even sweeter sonority, is called a celesta. Some large organs or harmoniums are equipped with stops imitating the sonorities of the celesta.

For the art, v. CAMPANA.

Anna Maria Gentili