Museum of Bells in Izmailovo
On a recent visit to the famous Izmailovo market (Vernisazh) with a client, we discovered, completely by accident, a special museum of Orthodox Church Bells located in the attractive wooden and brick towers of the spectacular Kremlin in Izmailovo which was built in old Russian style of architecture. We were especially lucky that we met Konstantin, a professional bell ringer with 17 years experience. He was a pupil of the best Russian bell ringers and occasionally rings the bells in the Ivan Bell Tower in the Moscow Kremlin, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, and in the bell tower of the Holy Trinity St. Sergius Lavra in Sergiev Posad. He provided us with very interesting information about the history of traditional bell ringing in Russia, the different types of bells, the shapes of bells from the 17th to 21st century. He demonstrated different types of bell ringing and we listened, fascinated, to the sounds of the bells, totally in awe. After this performance of amazing music, Konstantine gave my client a couple of lessons for beginners. Then we went downstairs into the small museum where he showed us photos and examples of Orthodox bells.
The Museum of Bells in Izmailovo was created as a result of 20 years of scientific research by specialists from The Society of Church Bell Ringers lead by Igor Konovalov, senior bell ringer of Cathedrals of Moscow Kremlin and Cathedral of Christ the Savior.
We were so exited that the hour we were in the museum just flew by. I really recommend a visit here. The reasonably priced tour can be arranged in advance for everyone who goes to Izmailovo market. You will have fun for sure!
This picture shows how a professional bell ringer with 17 years of experience, Konstantin Mishurovsky, helps Jed Lezak from the USA to ring bells for the first time in Jed's life!
As part of the tour to the Museum of Orthodox Bells, you will learn about the different types of Orthodox bell ringing techniques and listen to several melodies originating from different parts of Russia. You will also have the chance to put your newly acquired knowledge to use in a practical way - by actually ringing some bells.
No doubt that learning how to ring bells using any simulators cannot substitute for "live communication" with real bells. To put theory into practice, the final step in a "Bell-Ringing" education must be finished on an active bell-tower. As a result of research into bell ringing heritage from years passed, the most effective way to teach beginners is on a set of small (trill) bells. The pupil takes, in his right hand, the ropes from the trill bells and completely relaxes his hand; then the tutor puts his hand on the hand of the pupil and starts to move it making trill figures. This method of learning bell ringing is called "Take a peal off the hand".
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