On September 15th, the Institute of European Studies, the Program for the Study in Flanders, the Dutch Studies Program, Flanders in the USA, the IES Benelux Program, and the Department of Music hosted Dr. Luc Rombouts from Leuven University for a lecture on the history and traditions of the carillon. Rombouts followed the lecture with a carillon performance in UC Berkeley’s Campanile (Sather Tower). Rombouts has written a number of referenced works on the cultural history of carillons and bells. This lecture served as the second Prof. Johan Snapper Lecture in Studies. The lecture was attended by around 90 guests, with additional attendees joining during the performance.
After a brief introduction by Jeroen Dewulf, Rombouts began the lecture by describing a carillon, an instrument made up of bronze bells. The carillon in UC Berkeley’s Campanile features around 61 bells. Rombouts explained that these bells do not swing back and forth, but rather, vibrate to produce sound when played. Rombouts gave a short history of the carillon, a staple of Dutch and Flemish heritage. Since their development in the 14th century, bells have been used in daily life as timekeepers, markers of celebrations, and as alarms. In the 16th century, advancements brought automatic and manual mechanisms for playing carillons, reflecting the evolving technological and musical sophistication of the time. Rombouts then discussed how the development of carillons was supported by the wealth generated from the textile industries of the Low Countries. Notably, the design of the instrument is similar to that of weaving machinery.
During World War I, the German invasion of Belgium led to the destruction of several carillons that were later rebuilt with American financial support. Soon after, carillons were introduced in the United States, mainly at city parks and university campuses. Examples include installations at Hearst Castle and Stanford University. The presence of carillons in Ivy League and University of California schools reflects their cultural significance. Rombouts concluded the lecture with a discussion on the current state of carillon playing in North America, noting increased interest. He then expressed hope for continued interest in carillons and for greater diversity among carillonists. Following the lecture, Rombouts performed from the Campanile a diverse array of music, spanning from the 1720s to the 2020s, including works composed by American women.