Cast in Bronze - Colorado Renaissance Fest - Larkspur, CO - Carillon on Waymarking.com

From Wikipedia:

Cast in Bronze is the only musical act in the world that features the carillon, an extremely rare musical instrument consisting of 23 or more tuned bells. Mounted on a frame, the instrument is played by striking wooden levers with fists and feet that are wired to each bell’s clapper. Due to their enormous weight, carillons typically reside in towers or other permanent structures.

Originally, Cast in Bronze began as an experiment to determine if the carillon could be combined with other instruments; keyboard, bass guitar and drums. Cast in Bronze rose from obscurity to the Fountain Stage at Walt Disney World’s Epcot, where it remained for several years.

The individual responsible for creating Cast in Bronze is carillonneur, Frank Della Penna. Frank first learned to play the carillon from his childhood piano teacher, the late Frank Pechin Law. After finishing college, Frank resumed studying the carillon in Tourcoing, France. There he became the first American to graduate from the French Carillon School with the degree of Master Carillonneur.

Frank worked at several jobs prior to founding Cast in Bronze. Most recently, he served as resident carillonneur for the Washington Memorial Chapel in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania: a position previously occupied by his mentor and first carillon teacher, Frank Pechin Law. He remained as resident carillonneur for 8 years until an unexpected encounter with a stranger occurred. The stranger was impressed with Frank’s playing and indicated to Frank that more people should see how the carillon is played. All along Frank had been holding onto a dream to share the beauty of the carillon with listeners. Two weeks later, this same stranger provided Frank with the carillon that was to become the centerpiece of Cast in Bronze.

This carillon has 35 bells and weighs 4 tons. Based in the Philadelphia area, Frank takes Cast in Bronze on the road for about 10 months every year, playing to audiences around the US.

Most regular bookings of Cast in Bronze are for Renaissance festivals since the carillon experienced its zenith of popularity and historical significance during that period. Carillons date back to 15th century Europe where they were usually owned by communities and housed in churches or other municipal buildings facing onto a village square. People gathered outdoors to be entertained by the bells. However, the musician was hidden from view within the cabin of the bell tower so the carillonneur was never seen.

Thus the reason why Frank wears a black costume while performing. His face is concealed by a golden phoenix mask. All but his hands and eyes are covered as a symbolic gesture to downplay his identity and role in creating the music.

Location: 600 Larkspur Rd Larkspur, CO USA 80118 Who controls the carillon?: Frank Della Penna Number of bells: 35 Schedule of regular public performances: June 13th - August 2nd 2009 Year of construction: 01/01/1974 Structure: Mobile Frame Location web page: [Web Link]

Visit Instructions:
An original photograph of the carillon is required. One of you and your crew doing your very best imitation of Quasimodo and/or Esmeralda will be most appreciated.

Recent Visits/Logs:

Date Logged Log   08/03/2015 STLbells wrote comment for it 07/19/2015 Outspoken1 visited it 07/03/2010 Eagle1977 visited it

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