The bells are struck with clappers connected to a keyboard of wooden batons played with the hands and pedals played with the feet. Often, carillons include an automatic system through which the time is announced and simple tunes are played throughout the day. Carillons come in many designs, weights, sizes, and sounds.

Is it hard to play the carillon?

Obviously, early seventeenth-century carillons were difficult to play, and they demanded considerable strength. To some degree, the sheer physical effort necessary prevented the carillonneur from fully concentrating on the dynamics and subtleties of his performance.

What does a carillonneur do?

A carillon is a musical instrument composed of at least 23 carillon bells, arranged in chromatic sequence, so tuned as to produce concordant harmony when many bells are sounded together. It is played from a keyboard that allows expression through variation of touch.