Carillon (Bell) Tower-Victoria BC.wav

Wednesday, March 18 2009: Noon chimes. Recorded under less than ideal condition (Lots of rain and midday traffic).

Gear: iRiver HP-120 w/Rockbox + Sony ECM-719 MicrophoneAdditional Info:

The Carillon was a gift from British Columbia's Dutch community to honor Canada's one hundredth birthday in 1967. Her Majesty Queen Juliana of the Netherlands unveiled the cornerstone of this tower on May 23, 1967, it now sits in the garden below. A carillon is a musical instrument with a set of 23 or more bronze bells. This carillon the largest in Canada, has 62 bells. It is housed at the top of this tower which stands 89 feet tall. The largest bell weighs 1500 kilos.To play the carillon a musician climbs the 75 steps of the spiral staircase and then a 10 step ladder. There a carilloneur depresses the keys and pedals of the clavier to play a song on the bells. Carillon bells do not swing, they ring when struck by clappers connected with wires to the clavier.Traditional carillon of 62 bellsPitch of heaviest bell is D in the middle octaveTransposition is up 2 semitone(s)Keyboard range: C D / C GThere is one missing bass semitoneThere is a non-identical practice consoleThe instrument was enlarged in 1971with bells made by Petit & FritsenPrior history:In 1967, the instrument was begun with 49 bellsby Petit & FritsenYear of latest technical information source is 1973