Gongs English

Described only by Wedgwood, who says:

The Carillon stop appears in four distinct forms. (1) Real Bells. ... (2) Gongs. Norwich Cathedral (Norman & Beard); Chamber Organ for Mr. H. J. Johnson, J.P., at Oulton Rocks, Staffs. (Binns); Westminster Abbey (Hill). The bars are of steel, and the resonant gongs, over which they are situated, are of brass. The latter are tuned by being filled with plaster of Paris till the required note is obtained. Like free reeds, both bells and gongs necessitate the organ being kept at an even temperature; when this requirement is fulfilled - and it is no more than every organ really demands - they remain perfectly in tune. Mr. Johnson kindly informs the author that his at Oulton Rocks stand excellently in tune. (3) Tubular Bells, i.e, hollow steel rods. (4) A mixture.

Examples

Gongs, Percussion Organ (49 metal bars, tenor C to C2); John Wanamaker Store, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.

Harmonic Gongs, Choir (61 notes); St. George's Hall, Liverpool, England; Henry Willis.

Bibliography