Gordon Slater was the 4th official carillonneur of Canada, from 1977- 2008. Note the keyboard and the closed fist to operate the “keys” (photo Gov of Canada)
Earlier this week marked the anniversary of the day when Canada’s Parliament burned in a deadly fire that killed seven people. The only thing saved was the magnificent library. The Centre Block was rebuilt much in the original gothic style, with an even bigger central tower dubbed the Victory and Peace tower, now known mostly as the Peace tower..
ListenIn 1927, a 53 bell- carillon and clock movement were inaugurated in the central tower. Both the clock and carillon have become special features of the building. The clock is connected to the bells to sound the hours and half hours, and the carillon is played often by the official carrilloner.
To qualify as a carillon, the instrument must have a minimum of 23 bells covering two octaves and be operated by a manual keyboard..
There are 11 carillons in Canada.
I spoke with the Mr Gordon Slater who, although now retired, was Canada’s fourth official carillonneur. The current carillonneur is Andrea McCrady
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