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11.05.97 - Master of the Bells

newsarchive.berkeley.edu · 905 words · saved by 1 readers

by Julia Sommer "My music hasn't arrived yet, so I'm playing from memory," says a blithe Geert D'hollander, new university carillonist, as he heads up to the top of Sather Tower for his daily 10-minute noon concert. Completely relaxed in T-shirt, jeans and Don Johnson stubble, D'hollander is simultaneously giving an interview and trying to decide what to play in just five minutes. He says playing from memory produces better music, anyway. Taking his seat on the long, high carillon bench, D'hollander quickly adjusts the clapper of each bell so it will resonate in just the right way. A carillon student asks if he can stay and watch the mini-performance. "Of course" is the answer. Suddenly the Great Bear Bell-the biggest of all-starts to ring out a booming 12 strokes. D'hollander composes himself at the keyboard of wooden levers, or manuals, his feet brushing the pedals below. As the 12th stroke dies away, he launches into "Andante" by Fiocco. Appearing to hit the manuals with the si

11.05.97 - Master of the Bells Master of the Bells The Music of University Carillonist Geert D'hollander Is Ringing Across Campus by Julia Sommer "My music hasn't arrived yet, so I'm playing from memory," says a blithe Geert D'hollander, new university carillonist, as he heads up to the top of Sather Tower for his daily 10-minute noon concert. Completely relaxed in T-shirt, jeans and Don Johnson stubble, D'hollander is simultaneously giving an interview and trying to decide what to play in just five minutes. He says playing from memory produces better music, anyway. Taking his seat on the long

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