A Brief Introduction
In addition to the Veronese system, there are several full circle systems of ringing bells in Italy. Here are some links -
The Bolognese ringing system is a full circle change ringing system found in the Bologna region of Northern Italy.
Small bells will have just one person to ring them, larger ones two (two ropes on opposite strokes) and very large ones will have two ropes on each side of the lever, and may have a couple of people standing on the frame too, hence the ropes hanging from the ceiling!
Have a look at :-
http://www.unionecampanaribolognesi.it/tecnica.htm
http://utenti.lycos.it/campane/
For a bell set at 'handstroke', see http://utenti.lycos.it/campane/mezzolo.htm
For a bell set at 'backstroke', see http://utenti.lycos.it/campane/bocca.htm
There are 3 zipped up .WAV files at http://utenti.lycos.it/campane/brani.htm
In 1.wav, the bells are only swinging a little bit. In the other two files, the bells are rung full circle.
Here are some more .WAV files of Bolognese change ringing.
Bells rung full circle :- HERE
Bells being swing chimed :- HERE
Bells being clocked :- HERE
Heavy four (S. Pietro, Bologna) rung full circle :- HERE
A short clip is at http://digilander.iol.it/arte_campane/video/sistemaemilianobolognese.mpg
This is practiced mainly in the Lombardy region, with a little to be found in the Piemonte region as well. The bells are rung full circle, but are heavily counterbalanced and swing very slow as a result. They have a stay mechanism which allows them to be set at handstroke only, so each bell must ring twice before standing. Ringing seems to be a sequence of slow rounds or other changes with chords.
There are several clips on youtube :-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjkVqqgHnGg&mode=related&search=
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fv6MsEihxD8&mode=related&search=(Varese - a fantastic sounding heavy 8)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXnP9tRy8OY&mode=related&search=
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwrmUdb5_bA&mode=related&search=
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vX8BvVKMfqc&mode=related&search=
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPIOxMOptfg&mode=related&search=
Here is a very interesting article on casting bells.
https://kylarmack.com/blogs/news/metal-casting-all-about-bell-founding
Thanks to Amanda Jackson and James for pointing out this one!
David Bagley 18/04/2006