The Edith Adamson Carillon, Newcastle
Our three hour journey to Newcastle took four hours so we arrived somewhat bedraggled on Friday evening. Our introduction to Newcastle was unfortunate to say the least as we encountered a large number of inebriated individuals one of whom insisted on showing us his wares on his way out for a night on the town ... we managed to recover after a couple of bevvies in the bar which didn’t have any glasses due to the fact that they’d all been nicked and, despite the ominous signs that we were in for a disturbed night, the hotel was remarkably quiet enabling us to get a good rest. After a hearty breakfast we explored the shopping areas of Newcastle between torrential down-pours before meeting up with Newcastle’s carillonneur Dr Ian Brunt.
The carillon here is housed in a tower which rises above the civic centre. The carillon was given as a memorial to Edith Adamson by her husband and was installed in 1966.
It made a pleasant change NOT to have to climb up hundreds of steps; instead we took the lift to the 10th floor and walked up a further 20 steps or so to reach the clavier which is situated in one of the most 'civilised' clavier rooms - the only downside being that there are no windows.
It’s a well maintained instrument which is checked annually by Taylors. Caroline tried out a few pieces and she said it was deceptively quite hard work to play probably because, although small, there are a good number of heavier bells.
Ian took us up to see the bells. We are all beginning to be able to recognize the sound of Taylor’s bells – we’re not sure whether becoming attuned is a good thing or if it’s a sign that we’ve seen too many bells of late! We’re ALL having bell dreams – last night I dreamt I lived in a bell tower and that my bed was covered in pigeon deposits! We all think we keep hearing bells and may well be suffering from the first signs of bell-madness…
So back to Newcastle - we took in some fantastic views from the roof. Caroline really does seem to be taking to the heights and bells saturation therapy and not only made it to the top but also stayed up there while Ian was playing the bells!
Looking towards the Tyne bridge.
Interestingly, the carillon can also be played electronically by using a small electronic keyboard.
Caroline tried it out. It was surprisingly hard work – the delay before the bell is struck is more prominent and it’s impossible to get any expression into the bells this way.
We’d really like to thank Dr Ian Brunt for coming to meet us to show us around the carillon. We were treated to a fantastic rendition on the bells by Ian himself which was very impressive.
And finally ... no trip to the North East is copmplete without paying homage to the Angel of the North.
Next stop York Minster ... 'citing eh?!
1 comment:
Brilliant ! Ians teaching me to play the Carillon on my weekends off school . Only had two lessons and im allready sight reading Bach ! I was quite shocked after watching videos on Youtube with the continental Carillons being played with fingers etc and no gloves ... I know what you mean by this one being hard work !
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