Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1844-11-14
tFrom the Boston Courcr.)
TIL + SWISS BELL Rim Frs,
LETTER FROM NEW YORK.

Among the novelties continually crowding
on public attention here, we have had, for a
few weeks past "The Campanologians, or
Swiss Bell Ringers" AS you are to have
them in Boston this week, it may be agreea-
BILE to know something of them. Their big
sounding title was manufactured from Cam
Panology marriage Of Latin and Greek, TO
signify, in plain English, the Art of Bell Rim
ging. But if the Latin VOID Campana be de.
rived, as is said, from the Bishop of Cam.
pania. who first introduced church bells, the
term Campanology is hardly appropriate to the
art of ringing these hand-bells, which the Ro-
mans would have called TinlinnabuIa. Tin
tnnabologians would lie a bigger word.
though not quite as dignifed, or pleasan, in
sound.
The performance Of these bell-ringers is
really very wonderful, and we'll worth hear
ing, as an exhibition of mechanical skill. and
accuracy of ear When they first PLAYED at
Niblo's closely watched the effect on the or
chestra, who are considered as skilrul band
OF musicians as any in tine country. They
were visibly delighted with the perfect preci-
sion OF the performance. Yet the Campanolo-
glans play not merely simple carillons, but
elaborate and difficult music; the overture to
Fra DIavolo, for instance. If this were done
by striking the bells, it would be less sur
PrisIng but to ring forty-two bells, with
such rapidly and precision, is certainly a
marvellous exploit. No wonder they are OBJ
lIged to rehearse five hours day TO accom-
plish it.
The sound OF their combined bells is like
powerful musIc-box, extremely SWEEP, liquid,
and melodious. A seat al little distance is
more agreeable than one very near; not only
because the metallic sound is softened, but be-
cause the performers themselves appear TOO
much like machines, when viewed closely.
A writer IN one of our papers jestingIy under
took 10 prove that they were automata, and
certainly if one Of Maelzel's figures should
be placed among them, in the same dress, il
would not be SO very easy to detect the coun-
terfeit. This mechanical look and attitude is
the inevitable result of long protrscted habit
OF listening intently, in order TO play each
particular note in the right place. 1t scarcely
admits OF letting the music 60 deeper into
their souls than the ear. If were gifted with
power to utter the music that struggles forev-
er within me, could not submit to such re-
stralDt in the mode Of uterance. should
81 Eail the bells in desperation.
rr OF these men began 10 practise their
difntult art seven years ago. At first they
sueeo but seven bells, but gradually increased
the number TO twenty-six. Their company
now consists Of sey en-, and they use fortv-iwo
bells, varying in size, from large cow-bell,
to the smallest dinner-beIl. They had these
bells manufactured for them, and carefully at
tuned by scraping the metal. II took nine
months OF patient practice to attune them to
perfect concert pitch. The clappers are up
on spring. A piece of leather goes through
Inc ball OF the tongue; the leather strikes the
bell, and renders the tones more soft and
sweet They place the fore-fnger and thumb
upon the sides Of the bell, and thus obtain
steady hold, while they prevent disturbing
Inc lowest bell is the lowest G. Of the ire
pie cliii, and they run up three octaves and
one-fourth, with all the semi-toney. -Four of