chimes

The sounds of grandfather clock chimes bring a lot of images into mind; some are happy and some are sad. As they announce the stroke of every hour, they remind everyone of time passed by and how everyone is nearer the imminent destiny of death. To those who are far from loved ones and are expecting to be with them soon, they mean lesser moments of loneliness in the near future and the expectation of reunions. To those who lay in bed in restlessness of what tomorrow beacons, every chime is fear impersonated. To those who reminisce childhood and youth, they are the ringers of memories and harbingers of love lost and lives gone. Whatever they represent to anyone, they are voices of life, truthful and at the same time mysterious.

The Popular Choices

Every group of people that could be rooted to race, age, gender, or political affiliation, has a unique choice of grandfather clock chimes. Seven of the more popular ones according to manufacturers are the following:

  • Westminster chimes, which were used originally in the nineteenth century, are widely known because the Big Ben has them but was crafted in 1793 as a rearrangement by Mr. William Crotch. Their origin could be traced to the popular symphonic masterpiece of Handel, which is titled I Know that My Redeemer Liveth.
  • Whittington chimes are greatly associated with the triumph of the individual over the cruelty against the poor, shame of nothing to survive on but one’s own skin, and the great human spirit that lives in every person.
  • St. Michael’s chimes are for praise and protection as most of the locals of South Carolina would claim. These residents believe that the chimes have prevented chaos and warned the community of the impending dilemmas.
  • Ave Maria chimes are beautiful because of their homage to the Virgin Mary.
  • Beethoven’s 9th Symphony chimes that is grandeur in itself have been the favorite chime among those who love operas and the classic literature, and even lifestyle.
  • Trinity chimes are commonly associated with grandfather clocks that were produced in Germany. They are called as such because of their unique patterns that are identified with the Roman Catholic Church’s conviction in the unity of the Spirit, Son, and Father.
  • Canterbury chimes are non-verbal renditions of Chaucer’s great tales that continue to amaze even the contemporary readers. They evoke adventure and at the same time giving up of the ordinary day to day life.

The Secret of the Chimes

Grandfather clock chimes were ordinary songs that were all catapulted to fame because they were the ones chosen by those who commissioned or the producer of the grandfather clocks. They were chosen according to their musicality and mystery. They are all without vocals but great instrumental variation of the songs. There maybe more than one chime in a grandfather clock, depending on the model, design, and passions evoked by them. As one would relax and be hypnotized by the repetitive clock chimes, he would surely feel blessed. These chimes exemplify the spirit of men and women who were bitten but not beaten by life.

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