Mon 11 Feb 2008
For Whom The Notre-Dame Bells Toll
Posted by Eric Porres under Piano Wire
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Interesting article in the NYTimes about Stéphane Urbain, is the CBR of Notre-Dame (that’s Chief Bell Ringer). To rephrase:
Mr. Urbain, a 40-year-old chemist by training, is the chief sacristan of the cathedral. As such, he is also the chief bell ringer. His role often brings mention of Quasimodo, Victor Hugo’s misshapen “Hunchback of Notre-Dame,” who as the bell ringer was deafened by the volume.
Mr. Urbain rejects the comparison. “I am a little musical,” he said, with characteristic understatement, receiving a visitor amid the robes and golden liturgical vessels of the sacristy. His musicality has led to a minor revolution in the way that the bells have been rung since he became the chief sacristan three years ago.
Read the full article here.
