Art of the carillon: musical heritage

French fries, chocolate, waffles, beer, comics etc. all Belgian specialities. And let's not forget carillon culture, which spread across the entire territory of the Netherlands in the 16th century and was declared a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2014.

In the late 15th century, the art of the carillon arose in the Flemish and French guilds. Players originally tapped one of its four bells alternately with a hammer, its so-called quadrillion, the forerunner of the full-fledged 49-bell multi-chime, as we know it today. As the number expanded, players soon ran out of hands. It proved easier to play them via strings from a distance. Next, the strings were brought together into a 'baton keyboard' for the hands and one for the feet, allowing the carillon player to fully let go in his seat at the top of his tower. The instrument experienced a real heyday in the 17th and 18th centuries. In quite a few cities, five to sometimes as many as 10 carillons resounded several times a day, usually housed in the tower of historical buildings such as churches, belfries or town halls. The 19th century saw a decline, followed by a revival in the 20th century. Although the Low Countries with Mechelen as the proud capital were and remained the core area, the carillon broke through internationally, with the United States in particular as the main growth area. That, in a nutshell, is the origin story of this musical tradition.

Their knowledge and craftsmanship are acquired by carillon player here at the practice keyboards of carillon schools and in practice with seasoned professionals - in the US, the tradition has even grown into a university discipline. Both men and women have long desired the mastery of playing with hands and feet, a skill with a rich history that evolves alongside society. Literature echoes with the carillon's melodies. Once a player achieves proficiency, they unleash joyous music through the reverberating chambers, reaching audiences and passers-by below, filling the market square, summer concerts, and festive occasions with sound. The lone player might crave the sights and sounds of the world outside, but the applause that climbs the walls and reaches the tower room is a comforting reminder of his connection. He's where he belongs.

Alongside the many dozens of hand-played carillons, Flanders and Wallonia boast automatic timepieces that chime continuously, keeping watch day and night.