FAQ's
What Is a Carillon?
This is the most frequently asked question. The carillon is the largest and heaviest musical instrument in the world. It is defined as an instrument of 23 or more cast bronze bells, played from a keyboard. For the more formal definition, visit: www.gcna.org.
How large is this Carillon?
This 35 bell instrument weighs over 4 tons and sits on it's own custom trailer that is approx 10 feet long, 7 feet wide and stands just under 9 feet tall.
How much does this instrument cost? Where can I buy one?
Great question. We get this a lot. For more information.... go here!!!
Where did the bells come from?
In 1951 twenty–five bells were cast by the Petit and Fritsen Bell Foundry of Aarle-Rixtel, The Netherlands, a firm that began casting bells in 1660.
The twenty-five bells were installed in St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Philadelphia. The bells were G4-G6.
The bells were shipped to the Eijsbouts Bell Foundry in The Netherlands, the only firm that has the ability to duplicate historic bells. Ten bells were added at this time.
Why do you perform with other musicians?
The love for this instrument and it's purpose to perform with other musicians is a shared value of Charlie & Frank. We believe that this instrument fills a sonic space in much of today's music. This instrument creates an energy and power unlike any other.
Why do they sound so unique?
These bells are what is known as heavy-profile bells and they are tuned to A=432, the universal tuning standard at that time of their creation. Heavy profile means just that, they are 10% heavier than bells made today. This is why these bells sound awesome!!!! (and are so heavy)
Why are there different groups?
My goal for this instrument is to show the world it's majesty, beauty and power. Just like ice cream, we all like it... but prefer different flavors. The different groups not only resemble different flavors but also different heartbeats and personalities. Cast In Bronze is a wonderful catalogue of original compositions and arrangements from Frank DellaPenna. A-432 is a modern fusion electronica, chill, lounge and EDM. Bells Of Mystery is a playful celebration of intrigue and fantasy.
When did this all start?
This all started with my dear friend and musical colleague Frank DellaPenna. He started Cast in Bronze as the first musical act in the world to feature the carillon. Frank created Cast in Bronze in 1991 as an experiment to see if people would accept the haunting sound of the carillon combined with other instruments. I played and recorded drums with Frank and Cast In Bronze for over 15 years and on most of his recordings. Frank is the inspiration for this all.
How many bells?
The carillon of Bell2GO contains 35 bells (C4-C7) and weighs over 4 tons.
How old is the carillon?
The exact date is unknown, but historians estimate that the carillon was created about 500 years ago as a folk instrument.
Where are carillons located? How many bells?
There are more than 600 carillons in existence. For the official world directory of carillons in the world visit: www.carillon.org
How did you learn to play this instrument?
I have been playing percussion instruments my entire life. This is the coolest and largest of them all. I first learned of this instrument as the drummer in Cast in Bronze in 2000. I soon fell in love with it and recorded and toured with it often. The owner of the carillon, a dear friend and music colleague, Frank DellPenna approached me to see if I had interest in playing this instrument. This was a dream come true to even consider performing on this carillon. Frank has become my teacher and through the support and education provided by the North American Carillon School (NACS), each week I am learning to become more like the musicians that have inspired me.