Carillons, musical instruments of bells in the percussion family, are found throughout Belgium. Several institutions maintain registries on the location and statistics of carillons. Some registries specialize in counting specific types of carillons. For example, the War Memorial and Peace Carillons registry counts instruments which serve as war memorials or were built in the name of promoting world peace (and tracks five in Belgium);[1] the World Carillon Federation [nl] counts carillons throughout the country, along with the rest of the world.
Two Belgian carillon associations – the Flemish Carillon Association and the Walloon Carillon Association – count carillons in their respective regions. According to their registries, there are 94 carillons in Belgium: 70 in the Flemish Region, 22 in the Walloon Region, and 2 in the Brussels Capital Region. They are distributed across 77 different cities; several are located within the same city, and two are even within the same building – at St. Rumbold's Cathedral in Mechelen. The population has a wide range in total weights, with bourdons spanning between 30 and 8,180 kilograms (66 and 18,034 lb). They also span a wide range of notes, from 21 (which the Flemish association considers a carillon despite failing its definition that requires at least 23[2]) up to 64. Many carillons were constructed over several centuries by several bellfounders; a minority are constructed entirely by a single bellfounder. The majority of carillons are transposing instruments, and often transpose such that the lowest note on the keyboard is B♭ or C.
Despite not being a part of their respective regions, both the Flemish Carillon Association and the Walloon Carillon Association track the number of carillons located in the Brussels Capital Region, of which there are two. The larger both in terms of weight and number of bells is located at the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula. The smaller is located at the Palace of the Nation, Belgium's federal parliament building. Constructed in the 20th century, these carillons are much newer relative to others in the country.[5][6] Brussels once had nine carillons in 1541; none survived past 1914.[7]
The Flemish Carillon Association maintains a registry of carillons in the Flemish Region. According to the organization, there are 70 carillons located in Flanders. They are distributed across 56 different cities; several are located within the same city, and two are even within the same building – at St. Rumbold's Cathedral in Mechelen.[2] The carillons have a wide range in total weights, with bourdons spanning between 39 and 8,180 kilograms (86 and 18,034 lb). They also span a wide range of notes, from 21 (which the association considers a carillon despite failing its definition that requires at least 23[2]) up to 64. Many carillons were constructed over several centuries by several bellfounders; a minority are constructed entirely by a single bellfounder. The majority of carillons are transposing instruments, and often transpose such that the lowest note on the keyboard is B♭ or C.[5]
The Walloon Carillon Association maintains a registry of carillons in the Walloon Region. According to the organization, there are 22 carillons located in Wallonia. They are distributed across 20 different cities; three are within the same city – Liège. The carillons have a wide range in total weights, with bourdons spanning between 30 and 4,070 kilograms (66 and 8,973 lb). They also span a wide range of notes, from 25 up to 55. Many carillons were constructed over several centuries by several bellfounders; a minority are constructed entirely by a single bellfounder. The majority of carillons are transposing instruments, and often transpose such that the lowest note on the keyboard is B♭ or C.[6]
^ abc"Componeren" [Composing]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereeniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 18 July 2022. Retrieved 18 July 2022. We spreken over een beiaard (of carillon) als er tenminste 23 (2 octaven) ten opzichte van elkaar gestemde bronzen klokken aanwezig zijn die handmatig worden bespeeld met behulp van een stokkenklavier waardoor expressiviteit mogelijk wordt. [We speak of a carillon if there are at least 23 (2 octaves) bronze bells tuned relative to each other that are played manually with the help of a baton keyboard, allowing expressiveness.]
^"Carillons". World Carillon Federation. Archived from the original on 11 January 2021. Retrieved 30 January 2021.
^Rombouts, Luc (2014). Singing Bronze: A History of Carillon Music. Translated by Communicationwise. Leuven University Press. p. 309. ISBN978-90-5867-956-7. ... and the three 'great' carillon countries – the Netherlands, the United States and Belgium – are responsible for almost 70% of all carillons worldwide.
^ ab"Torens" [Towers]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereeniging [Flemish Carillon Association]. Archived from the original on 7 July 2022. Retrieved 15 July 2022.
^ abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwx"Carillons de concert" [Concert carillons] (PDF). Association Campanaire Wallonne [Walloon Campanological Association]. Archived(PDF) from the original on 7 July 2022. Retrieved 4 July 2022.
^"Paleis der natie" [Palace of the Nation]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association]. Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 6 July 2022.
^"Sint-Michielskathedraal" [Cathedral of St. Michael]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association]. Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 6 July 2022.
^"Belfort van Aalst" [Belfry of Aalst]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk" [Church of Our Lady]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"BEARSTPC". TowerBells.org. Retrieved 22 July 2022.
^"Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal" [Cathedral of Our Lady]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 26 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"Sint-Catharinakerk" [St. Catherine's Church]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"Districtshuis" [District House]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"Openluchtbeiaard, Sint-Martinuskerk" [Open-air carillon, St. Martin's Church]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"Belfort van Brugge" [Belfry of Bruges]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 26 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"Stadhuis van Damme" [Damme City Hall]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk" [Church of Our Lady]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"Belfort van Dendermonde" [Belfry of Dendermonde]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"Sint-Aldegondiskerk" [Saint Aldegondis Church]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"Sint-Sulpitiuskerk" [Belfry of Dendermonde]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"Belfort van Diksmuide" [Belfry of Diksmuide]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"Sint-Martinuskerk". Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"Sint-Bartholomeuskerk" [St Bartholomew's Church]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"Belfort van Gent" [Belfry of Ghent]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"Sint-Servaasbasiliek" [Basilica of Saint Servatius]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"Sint-Gorikskerk" [Saint Gorik Church]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"Onze-Lieve-Vrouwebasiliek" [Basilica of Our Lady]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"Sint-Salvatorkerk" [Basilica of Our Lady]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"Sint-Quintinuskathedraal" [St. Quentin Cathedral]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"BEHSSLSQ". TowerBells.org. Retrieved 25 July 2022.
^"Tuin Vernimmen" [Vernimmen Garden]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"Belfort van Herentals" [Belfry of Herentals]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"Schepenhuis". Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"Sint-Catharinakerk" [St Catherine's Church]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"Sint-Hiloniuskerk" [St. Hilonius Church]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"Halletoren". Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 26 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"Sint-Maartenskerk" [St. Martin's Church]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"Sint-Maartenskerk" [St. Martin's Church]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"Sint-Geertruikerk" [Saint Gertrude's Church]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"Sint-Pieterskerk" [Saint Peter's Church]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"Universiteitsbibliotheek" [University Library]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"Vredesbeiaard van de Abdij van Park" [Peace Carillon of Park Abbey]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"Sint-Jan-de-Doperkerk" [Church of St. John the Baptist]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"Sint-Gummaruskerk" [Saint Gummarus Church]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"Sint-Laurentiuskerk" [Saint Laurentius Church]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"Sint-Pietersbandenkerk" [Church of Saint Peter-in-Chains]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 19 July 2022. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"Sint-Romboutskathedraal (oude beiaard)" [St. Rumbold's Cathedral (old carillon)]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 24 November 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"Sint-Romboutskathedraal (nieuwe beiaard)" [St. Rumbold's Cathedral (new carillon)]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 5 December 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-over-de-Dijlekerk" [Church of Our Lady-across-the-Dyle]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"BEMCHSMD". Towerbells.org. Archived from the original on 23 June 2021. Retrieved 18 July 2022.
^"Hof van Busleyden" [Court of Busleyden]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"BEMCHHVB". Towerbells.org. Archived from the original on 26 February 2021. Retrieved 18 July 2022.
^"Sint-Martinuskerk" [St. Martin's Church]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"Sint-Belfort van Menen" [Belfry of Menen]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"Sint-Petrus- en Pauluskerk" [Saints Peter und Paul Church]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"BEMOLSPP". Towerbells.org. Archived from the original on 26 February 2021. Retrieved 18 July 2022.
^"Norbertijnenabdij" [Norbertine Abbey]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"BEPSTLNB". Towerbells.org. Archived from the original on 26 February 2021. Retrieved 18 July 2022.
^"Sint-Pieter-in-de-Bandenkerk" [Church of Saint Peter-in-Chains]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk" [Church of Our Lady]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"BENWPTCC". Towerbells.org. Archived from the original on 26 February 2021. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
^"Feest- en Cultuurpaleis" [Festivities and Culture Palace]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"Sint-Walburgakerks" [St. Walburga Church]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"Sint-Trudokerk" [St. Trudo Church]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"Sint-Niklaaskerk" [Saint Nicholas Church]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"BENRPLSN". Towerbells.org. Archived from the original on 19 July 2022. Retrieved 18 July 2022.
^"Sint-Bertinuskerk" [St. Bertin's Church]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"Sint-Pieterskerk" [Saint Peter's Church]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"BEPRSSTP". Towerbells.org. Archived from the original on 26 February 2021. Retrieved 18 July 2022.
^"Sint-Michielskerk" [Saint Michael's Church]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"BERSLRSM". Towerbells.org. Archived from the original on 26 February 2021. Retrieved 18 July 2022.
^"Sint-Hermeskerk" [Saint Hermes' Church]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"Onze-Lieve-Vrouwebasiliek" [Basilica of Our Lady]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"Stadhuis van Sint-Niklaas" [Sint-Niklaas City Hall]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"Belfort van Sint-Truiden" [Belfry of Sint-Truiden]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"Basiliek Onze-Lieve-Vrouw van Kortenbos" [Basilica of Our Lady of Kortenbos]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"Sint-Rumolduskerk" [Saint Rumolds Church]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"Gemeentehuis" [Temse City Hall]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"Belfort van Tielt" [Belfry of Tielt]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"BETLTSHH". Towerbells.org. Archived from the original on 26 February 2021. Retrieved 18 July 2022.
^"Sint-Germanuskerk" [Saint Germain's Church]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"Basiliek Onze-Lieve-Vrouw Geboorte" [Basilica of Our Lady of the Nativity]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"BETNGRKB". Towerbells.org. Archived from the original on 19 July 2022. Retrieved 18 July 2022.
^"Sint-Pieterskerk" [Saint Peter's Church]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"Sint-Niklaaskerk" [Saint Nicholas Church]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"Sint-Amanduskerk" [Saint Amand's Church]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"BEWNGNSA". Towerbells.org. Archived from the original on 19 July 2022. Retrieved 18 July 2022.
^"Belfort van Ieper" [Belfry of Ypres]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-Hemelvaartkerk" [Church of Our Lady of the Ascension]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"BEZTGMCC". Towerbells.org. Archived from the original on 22 June 2021. Retrieved 18 July 2022.
^"Sint-Leonarduskerk" [St. Leonard's Church]. Vlaamse Beiaard Vereniging [Flemish Carillon Association] (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^"Fiche technique: Ath, Église Saint-Julien" [Technical Sheet: Ath, St. Julian's Church] (PDF). Association Campanaire Wallonne [Walloon Campanological Association] (in French). Archived(PDF) from the original on 7 July 2022. Retrieved 18 July 2022.
^"Fiche technique: Braine-le-Comte, Église Saint-Géry" [Technical Sheet: Braine-le-Comte, St. Gaugericus' Church] (PDF). Association Campanaire Wallonne [Walloon Campanological Association] (in French). Archived(PDF) from the original on 7 July 2022. Retrieved 18 July 2022.