An American in Peer
When a carillon committee was formed in 1989 in the city of
Peer, Belgium, there were three tolling bells in the tower of the St. Trudo
Church. At that time there were no carillons in the whole province of North
Limburg that were playable manually. The 14th-century brick tower of Peer had a
huge bellchamber capable of accommodating a heavy carillon. Financial resources
were limited such that a choice was made for a medium weight carillon of 51
bells with a bourdon sounding D.
In 1992 the new Petit & Fritsen instrument was
dedicated. After the festivities the carillon committee began its quest to
expand the instrument as soon as possible to a heavy carillon. The project was
completed in 1999 exceeding all expectations. The 17th-century bell frame was
restored, the bell chamber got a new oak floor, and the electrical components
were updated.
The carillon was completely dismantled and reinstalled, and
a deluxe new playing cabin was built. Thirteen new bells were cast. Most
significantly, an American standard playing console was chosen over the current
European standard. The instrument now boasts 64 bells covering five octaves
with a bourdon sounding B-flat. The keyboard compass is B-flat, C, then
chromatic through D. Erik Vandevoort is the carillonneur of Peer.
