Bell Instruments: Difference between revisions

(4 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)

Line 15:

We use the word ''peal'' as a noun when we refer to a collection of two or more bells that are not installed or fitted for playing musical melodies. See the article titled [[Peal configurations]] for suggested musical intervals useful for ordering a peal of bells. We use ''peal'' as a verb when we ring this collection of bells together either by swinging them in a gimbal mounting, or simulating this swinging action using strike timing and other means on bells that are hung on stationary beams.

See a '''[[Videos_of_bell_ringing|video demonstration]]''' of a three-bell peal.

=== Ring ===

Line 28:

Line 30:

=== Chime ===

A ''chime'' is a collection of enough bells to perform a song or hymn. While we may find simple tunes such as Amazing Grace that ''could'' be performed on a pentatonic peal of six bells, we reserve the term ''chime'' to represent a collection of bells that can ring a reasonable repertoire of tunes for all seasons.

A '''[[chime]]''' is a collection of enough bells to perform a song or hymn. While we may find simple tunes such as Amazing Grace that ''could'' be performed on a pentatonic peal of six bells, we reserve the term ''chime'' to represent a collection of bells that can ring a reasonable repertoire of tunes for all seasons.

To be useful, the chime should encompass a span of at least one octave (8 diatonic notes). In addition, semitones are often employed to enlarge the number of musical selections that can be played. The most-often added semitone is the minor-seventh. Additionally, many chimes include the sharp-fourth~~. A flat third will be useful for playing ''Beneath the Cross of Jesus''~~.

To be useful, the chime should encompass a span of at least one octave (8 diatonic notes). In addition, semitones are often employed to enlarge the number of musical selections that can be played. The most-often added semitone is the minor-seventh. Additionally, many chimes include the sharp-fourth.

''The Star Spangled Banner'' can be performed on a chime of fourteen bells consisting of twelve diatonic notes, spanning 1-1/2 octaves, plus the sharp fourth and flat seventh. Hundreds of other songs and hymns can be played on this chime instrument.

''The Star Spangled Banner'' can be performed on a chime of fourteen bells consisting of twelve diatonic notes, spanning 1-1/2 octaves, plus the sharp fourth and flat seventh. Hundreds of other songs and hymns can be played on this chime instrument. ''A Mighty Fortress'' requires at least 11 bells with 10 diatonic notes and a flat seventh. A flat third (or sixth) would be nice for playing ''Beneath the Cross of Jesus''.

=== Carillon ===

A carillon generally has larger scope and nearly all semitones when compared to a chime. Some instruments in Europe are called carillons if they span 1-1/2 octaves and have all but the lowest two semitones (18 bells).

A '''[[carillon]]''' generally has larger scope and nearly all semitones when compared to a chime. Some instruments in Europe are called carillons if they span 1-1/2 octaves and have all but the lowest two semitones (18 bells).

The Guild of Carillonneurs in North America have defined the minimum carillon to be 23 bells, spanning two octaves and missing only the two lowest semitones. Several grand carillons exist with 65 or more bells.

@@ Line 15: / Line 15: @@
 We use the word ''peal'' as a noun when we refer to a collection of two or more bells that are not installed or fitted for playing musical melodies. See the article titled [[Peal configurations]] for suggested musical intervals useful for ordering a peal of bells. We use ''peal'' as a verb when we ring this collection of bells together either by swinging them in a gimbal mounting, or simulating this swinging action using strike timing and other means on bells that are hung on stationary beams.
+See a '''[[Videos_of_bell_ringing|video demonstration]]''' of a three-bell peal.
 === Ring ===
@@ Line 28: / Line 30: @@
 === Chime ===
-A ''chime'' is a collection of enough bells to perform a song or hymn. While we may find simple tunes such as Amazing Grace that ''could'' be performed on a pentatonic peal of six bells, we reserve the term ''chime'' to represent a collection of bells that can ring a reasonable repertoire of tunes for all seasons.
+A '''[[chime]]''' is a collection of enough bells to perform a song or hymn. While we may find simple tunes such as Amazing Grace that ''could'' be performed on a pentatonic peal of six bells, we reserve the term ''chime'' to represent a collection of bells that can ring a reasonable repertoire of tunes for all seasons.
-To be useful, the chime should encompass a span of at least one octave (8 diatonic notes). In addition, semitones are often employed to enlarge the number of musical selections that can be played. The most-often added semitone is the minor-seventh. Additionally, many chimes include the sharp-fourth. A flat third will be useful for playing ''Beneath the Cross of Jesus''.
+To be useful, the chime should encompass a span of at least one octave (8 diatonic notes). In addition, semitones are often employed to enlarge the number of musical selections that can be played. The most-often added semitone is the minor-seventh. Additionally, many chimes include the sharp-fourth.
-''The Star Spangled Banner'' can be performed on a chime of fourteen bells consisting of twelve diatonic notes, spanning 1-1/2 octaves, plus the sharp fourth and flat seventh. Hundreds of other songs and hymns can be played on this chime instrument.
+''The Star Spangled Banner'' can be performed on a chime of fourteen bells consisting of twelve diatonic notes, spanning 1-1/2 octaves, plus the sharp fourth and flat seventh. Hundreds of other songs and hymns can be played on this chime instrument. ''A Mighty Fortress'' requires at least 11 bells with 10 diatonic notes and a flat seventh. A flat third (or sixth) would be nice for playing ''Beneath the Cross of Jesus''.
 === Carillon ===
-A carillon generally has larger scope and nearly all semitones when compared to a chime. Some instruments in Europe are called carillons if they span 1-1/2 octaves and have all but the lowest two semitones (18 bells).
+A '''[[carillon]]''' generally has larger scope and nearly all semitones when compared to a chime. Some instruments in Europe are called carillons if they span 1-1/2 octaves and have all but the lowest two semitones (18 bells).
 The Guild of Carillonneurs in North America have defined the minimum carillon to be 23 bells, spanning two octaves and missing only the two lowest semitones. Several grand carillons exist with 65 or more bells.