Watching this video, you probably guessed that a computer communicates the programmed melodies to the external bell clappers, and that it keeps the bell performances on a schedule. And you are correct! And you are also correct that the Clock-O-Matic’s Apollo III bell controller can be accessed and manipulated via an onsite controller, remote, orContinue reading “Bell Ringing Methods in the Leaning Tower of Niles”
Category Archives: Technology
Hell’s Bells
In honor of the invasion of spooks and ghouls tomorrow on Halloween, I thought we’d focus on bells representing the profane. I give you . . . “Hell’s Bells” by AC/DC. That is a real, honest-to-goodness one-ton bronze bell hanging above the stage. Michael Milsom, former bellmaster at Taylor foundry in Loughborough, England, gives usContinue reading “Hell’s Bells”
Development of the Carillon Graphic
This graphic of the development of the carillon by Luc Rombouts in Zingend Brons is fantastic. It makes plain that the development of the instrument was not a straight, linear one, but one branch of the varied bell tree. I translated it from Flemish with Luc’s permission and assistance. Thanks, Luc!
The Physics of Swinging Bells
Bells in a peal swing back and forth to ring, like this: The clapper inside the bell hangs down from the top, and it swings up to strike the bell close to its most extreme position, which makes a flying clapper, or it falls down to strike the bell at the same extreme position, whichContinue reading “The Physics of Swinging Bells”
I see your nine hours and raise you 10,000 years
The visionary Brian Eno has outdone the nine hour performance concocted by Dorothy Sayer in The Nine Tailors. He’s imagined a change ringing method that will last 10,000 years. See these gorgeous, noble Bristlecone Pines? They are some of the oldest living things on earth—the oldest known specimen is over 5,000 years old. And theyContinue reading “I see your nine hours and raise you 10,000 years”