Bells Bells Bells
Tonight is the opening of the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony’s season. I’m in afternoon chill mode, so I thought I’d write a short post. There will be lots new tonight: a new look onstage, a new seating arrangement, an interesting opener, a surprise piece … and … bells!
You see, at the end of Pictures at an Exhibition the big church bells in Eb are never loud enough when played on chimes. They’re always overwhelmed by the gong, etc. I’ve tried three different solutions to this. At New World Symphony we came up with a digital sample; at the Chicago Symphony they actually have a huge church bell in Eb, which is amazing; in Kitchener we’re using normal chimes, but we put them through a digital effects unit that makes them louder and sound an octave lower. That might be the best solution if you have the equipment but can’t get the Chicago-style bell. Too over the top, you say? C’mon — it’s a SONIC SPECTACULAR. I use the technology when it helps.
Hope to see you at the concert tonight!