The World’s Largest Instrument? It Weighs 100 Tons and is 62 m Tall!
A Chapel With a Concert Hall: The Giant Instrument in Chicago
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The World's Largest Instrument? It Weighs 100 Tons and is 62 m Tall! · Source: YouTube / Rob Scallon
The World’s Largest Instrument? When we hear about extraordinary instruments, we often think of huge church organs or sophisticated synthesizer installations. But the largest instrument in the world might be found somewhere else entirely – in a bell tower. YouTuber Rob Scallon visited the Rockefeller Memorial Chapel in Chicago and saw an impressive carillon in action. With a total weight of 100 tons and a belfry 62 meters high, the instrument is one of the most powerful of its kind. He captured his experience in an in-depth video.
A Giant Sound in the Tower: Probably the Largest Instrument in the World
A carillon is basically a giant glockenspiel played by a keyboard. The Rockefeller Memorial Chapel is home to the second largest carillon in the world, at least by weight. The largest bell alone weighs an impressive 18.5 tons and sounds a low C sharp. Unlike modern church bells, this carillon is played entirely by hand, although there is electronic assistance for certain processes. The carillon is not only an acoustic experience, but also a physical challenge for the carillonneur, who uses all his physical strength to set the massive bells in motion. It is truly the largest instrument in the world.
YouTuber Rob Scallon not only got a demonstration of the instrument, he got involved himself. In his video, he shows how the carillon works, what its technical features are, and why even a bell can be tuned. Especially fascinating is the fact that bells change over the decades as a result of their use. The constant striking of the clapper causes wear and tear, which has to be repaired in a special process. For those interested in unusual musical instruments, this video is a rare glimpse into an almost forgotten craft.
The World’s Largest Rock Instrument
Of course, the musical part was not neglected either. Together with the band’s carillonneur, Rob Scallon played well-known melodies on the bells. The program included not only classical pieces, but also surprising cover versions. A highlight of the video is an interpretation of Metallica’s “For Whom the Bell Tolls”, which has a very special effect on an instrument of this size. Even the well-known Harry Potter theme was played on the carillon, impressing not only the viewers of the video, but also passers-by who happened to be near the chapel. It’s a sound experience you don’t hear every day.
One of the commentators on the video rightly writes that he was quite confused when he passed the chapel that day. The other residents were probably confused as well. But you can be very confused. It’s not something that happens every day.
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One response to “The World’s Largest Instrument? It Weighs 100 Tons and is 62 m Tall!”
I love bells! I’d love one of these for my studio, it would pair really well with all my Whimsical Raps modules and Make Noise MATHS. Could replace one of my FM based voices