The seventeenth century marked a remarkable surge in the construction of carillons across Dutch towns and cities. Skilled musicians, known as carillonneurs, assumed the responsibility of playing carillons, often performing in churches and civic buildings during special occasions and religious events.
Seventeenth-century carillon music encompassed a diverse range of compositions. Carillonneurs would render not only traditional melodies but also craft original pieces, including popular tunes of the era, religious hymns, and folk songs. Renowned Dutch composers of the time, such as Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck, known for his keyboard and organ compositions, extended his artistry to carillon music, adding depth to the musical landscape.
The seventeenth century also saw the establishment of carillon schools and guilds, which played a crucial role in training carillonneurs, ensuring their proficiency in playing this unique instrument and passing down its techniques and art.
Carillons were more than just musical instruments; they symbolized civic pride and cultural identity for Dutch towns and cities. The ability to play the carillon was held in high regard, fostering a sense of community and local pride.
Creator Alme Siderum (Gregorian hymn)
Gilbert Huybens, Noël and Frederik Reynders, Peter Van Bouwel,
Sint-Leonarduskerk Zoutleeuw (Flemish Brabant), 1995.
from:
Website over beiaardcultuur in Vlaanderen en elders
http://www.beiaard.be
The seven remaining bells from the carillon in Zoutleeuw (Flanders), cast in 1531 by Medardus Wagheven, are the oldest carillon bells in the world. Since they are no longer connected with the keyboard they had to be played individually at this recording by four carillonneurs.
Reuzegom (traditional Flemish song)
Henk Verhoef, Belfort Monnickendam, 1997
from:
Website over beiaardcultuur in Vlaanderen en elders
http://www.beiaard.be
The world's oldest manually played carillon (late sixteenth century, cast by Pieter van den Ghein) is a bit out of tune, but the popular Flemish melody Reuzegom is still possible to recognize.
French Courante ('De mey die komt ons by, seer bly' or 'De Meideun')
from:
Beiaard van de Saint Janstoren te Gouda
http://www.carillon-towers.net/gouda.htm
Traditional May-song of Gouda, c. 17th century. Automatic chime, Saint Jans tower, Gouda.
Passagaille in C
Silvius Leopold Weiss (1686–1750)
performed by:
Henk Groeneweg, Nieuwe Kerk Delft, 1995.
from:
CARILLON DELFT
Bespeeld door drie Delftse beiaardiers http://www.carillon.org/cd/pages/delft_1.htm
Andante
Joseph-Hector Fiocco (1703–1741)
performed by:
Arie Abbenes, Dom tower Utrecht, 1991.
Website over beiaardcultuur in Vlaanderen en elders
http://www.beiaard.be
Preludio Coucou
Matthias van den Gheyn (1721–1785)
performed by:
Koen Van Assche, city hall tower Veere (Zeeland), 1997.
from:
Beiaard van de St. Janstoren te Gouda
http://www.carillon-towers.net/gouda.htm
Preludio V in C
Matthias van den Gheyn
performed by:
Marianna Marras, Nieuwe Kerk Delft, 1995.
from:
CARILLON DELFT
Bespeeld door drie Delftse beiaardiers http://www.carillon.org/cd/pages/delft_1.htm
Boven Gent Rijst (Klokke Roeland)
Johan Destoop (1824–1894),
performed by:
Jos D'hollander, Belfort Ghent.
from:
Website over beiaardcultuur in Vlaanderen en elders
http://www.beiaard.be
Ongeschreven Preludium in d
Jef Denyn (1862–1941)
performed by:
Jef Denyn, Sint-Rombouts tower Mechelen (old carillon), c. 1929.
from:
Website over beiaardcultuur in Vlaanderen en elders
http://www.beiaard.be
Loflied op de Hollander en de Zeeuw
Jacob Vincent (1868–1953)
Royal Palace Amsterdam, 1947.
from:
Website over beiaardcultuur in Vlaanderen en elders
http://www.beiaard.be
Yn'e Snitser Merke
Dirk S. Donker (1941)
performed by:
Dirk S. Donker, Martinikerk Sneek (Friesland).
http://www.sneek.nl/media/carillion.html
Variaties en fughetta op
'Toen hertog Jan kwam varen' (1975)
Loek Boogert (* 1931)
performed by:
Loek Boogert, Nieuwe Kerk Delft, 1995.
from:
CARILLON DELFT
Bespeeld door drie Delftse beiaardiers http://www.carillon.org/cd/pages/delft_1.htm
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