James R. Lawson - The Riverside Church Carillon

James R. Lawson - The Riverside Church Carillon

I hope that my visitors are having a wonderful summer (or wonderful winter for those in the southern hemisphere of this planet). There will be some words of wisdom posted here soon to help you be a better person, make more money, tap your hidden psychic powers and get dates. Meanwhile, enjoy some music.

From the liner notes:

The Riverside Church Carillon is one of the most notable carillons in the world. Installed at a time when carillons were only beginning to be used in this country, it has provided a new musical experience for thousands of people, many of whom have come to see the gigantic instrument in action. To reach the belfry it is necessary to take an elevator to the twentieth floor and then climb several flights of stairs to the top of the tower. From this point one can look out upon the whole expanse of Manhattan and the surrounding areas. Within, hang the 74 bells of the Riverside Church Carillon.

A carillon is a musical instrument of the keyboard type, having as its basis twenty-three or more chromatically attuned bells. Its development from simpler bell mechanisms began around the fifteenth century in Europe, when small sets of bells were installed in clock towers and mechanically arranged so that they would ring before the sounding of the heavy hour bell. As the number of bells increased the mechanism was arranged to play a melody.

THE CARILLONNEUR

The musician who has played the carillon at Riverside Church since 1960 is James Raymond Lawson.

Mr. Lawson is founder and director of the SOCIETAS COMPANARIORUM (Society of Bell Ringers), an organization for the study and promotion of bell music. A major activity of the society is the publication of carillon, chime, and handbell music.


Tracklisting:

Side 1

1. Crown Him with Many Crowns {1:13}

2. Fairest Lord Jesus {1:15}

3. Jesus Shall Reign Where'er the Sun {1:02}

4. My Country, 'Tis of Thee {1:44}

5. We Gather Together {1:49}

6. O God, Our Help in Ages Past {1:18}

Side 2

1. A Mighty Fortress is Our God {4:15}

2. America the Beautiful {1:33}

3. When I Survey the Wondrous Cross {1:09}

4. Christ the Lord is Risen Today {2:13}

5. Joy to the World! The Lord is Come {1:16}

6. Silent Night, Holy Night {2:51}