National War Memorial Carillon
A Carillon is a huge musical instrument consisting of at least 23 bells tuned chromatically to create a concordant harmonic effect. The Carillon evolved during the late 15th century in the Low Countries (Holland, Flanders, N. France), the first documented carillon with a mechanical keyboard being in 1487. There are now approximately 650 throughout the world.
Towering over 50 metres in height, the National War Memorial Carillon has been prominent on the Wellington skyline since its opening on Anzac Day, 1932.
The original 49 bells were private donations in memory of World War I casualties. Each of these bells has a name and dedication inscription. Since 1984 the Carillon has been substantially rebuilt and enlarged. Twenty mid-range bells have been replaced, and twenty one smaller treble bells have been added. In 1995 the government donated four very large bass bells, Peace (Rangimarie), Hope (Tumanako), Grace (Aroha) and Remembrance (Whakamaharatanga) to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the end of World War II. Peace is the largest bell in the southern hemisphere.
The National War Memorial Carillon now has 74 bells ranging in size from 10kgs to 12.5 tonnes. With a combined weight of 70.5 tonnes, the Carillon is the third largest of its kind in the world. It has a musical range of 6.5 octaves.
Specifications
- Carillon Tower Height: 50.6 metres
- Range of Instrument: 74 bells, 6 octaves
- Total Weight of Bells: 70.5 tonnes, ranging from 13kg to 12.5 tonnes each
- Largest Bell: 'PEACE' — Rangimarie
How is it Played?
The bells themselves do not move as they are bolted to the frame. Under
each bell is an iron clapper (or arm) which is attached by a system of
levers, wires and pulleys to the keys on the clavier (keyboard). The carillonist
sits at the clavier, and with loosely clenched fists caresses the wooden
keys which move the clappers to strike the bells.
The sound produced is controlled by the amount of energy used, so it is a pure
mechanical action.
The Carillon's clavier is one of the most modern in the world, and was designed and built by the National Carillonist, Timothy Hurd QSM.
Recitals
The Carillon is heard in over 200 hours of live concerts a year. Daily lunchtime recitals occur between the months of September to June, and the Carillon can also be heard on ceremonial days and when teaching sessions are taking place.
Hear sound files from the Carrillon
Carillonists
- Gladys Watkins (1932-1936) - see her biography on the online DNZB website
- John Randal (1937-1950, 1954-1983)
- Selwyn Baker (1950-1954)
- Timothy Hurd QSM (since 1984)
A new pipe organ
On 18 October 2007 the Military and Hospitaller Order of St Lazarus of Jerusalem gifted a magnificent Erben-designed pipe organ to the National War Memorial. The Dedication Ceremony was conducted in the presence of H.E. The Governor General and the Grand Duke of the Order, His Highness the Grand Master Don Francisco de Borbon y Escasany, Duke of Seville. The organ dates back to 1857 and was originally in a church in Maine, Massachusettes. This beautiful instrument will play a key part in future ceremonial programmes.
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