Doug Gefvert, Carillonneur
Doug Gefvert, the third Carillonneur of the Washington Memorial National Carillon, began his musical career at an early age by singing in his hometown church choir and taking organ lessons from local church organists. He continued his study of organ and church music, earning a Bachelor of Music degree in organ from Westminster College and a masters degree in music history
from Temple University.
While at Westminster College, he was introduced to the carillon, and later studied the instrument with Frank Pechin Law at Washington Memorial National Carillon. He is a Carillonneur Member of the Guild of Carillonneurs in North America.
Before coming to the Washington Memorial National Carillon in 1998,
Mr. Gefvert was Bellmaster at historic Old Christ Church in Philadelphia for 21 years. He has written and arranged numerous pieces for carillon and has given recitals in the United States and Canada.
Patriots Tower and The Washington Memorial National Carillon
The beauty of the historic rolling hills of Valley Forge National Historical Park is enhanced by the stately presence and noble sound of Patriots Tower and the Washington Memorial National Carillon, both gifts of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. Completed in 1953, they are living memorials dedicated to the memory of General George Washington.
The Washington Memorial National Carillon of 58 tuned bronze bells, representing all states and U. S. territories, ranks as one of the world's largest and most beautiful. The lower 28 bells were cast by the Meneely Bell Foundry of Watervliet, New York. The upper 30 bells were cast by the Paccard Bell Foundry of Annecy, France. The bells weigh 26 tons, and from the largest bell of 8,000 lbs. to the smallest bell of 13 1/2 lbs., cover a range of nearly five octaves.
In addition to the carillon, Patriots Tower is also home to The Justice Bell, a full-size replica of the Liberty Bell, which was used between 1915 and 1920 in the Women's Suffrage Movement, and a wonderful collection of over 800 porcelain, glass,and metal miniature bells. Also, within Patriots Tower are the names of many patriots inscribed in stone, stained glass, on brass tablets and in a huge Book of Remembrance.
Track List:
1. O Come All Ye Faithful
2. It Came Upon the Midnight Clear
3. What Child is This?
4. The Coventry Carol
5. The First Nowell
6. On Christmas Day
7. O Saviour Sweet
8. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
9. Away in a Manger
10. Joy to the World
11. I Wonder as I Wander
12. Good King Wenceslas
13. O Little Town of Bethlehem
14. Silent Night
15. Angels We Have Heard on High
16. Bring a Torch, Jeannette Isabella
17. Fum, Fum, Fum
18. God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen
Suggested CDs:Other Genres:
Doug Gefvert, the third Carillonneur of the Washington Memorial National Carillon, began his musical career at an early age by singing in his hometown church choir and taking organ lessons from local church organists. He continued his study of organ and church music, earning a Bachelor of Music degree in organ from Westminster College and a masters degree in music history
from Temple University.
While at Westminster College, he was introduced to the carillon, and later studied the instrument with Frank Pechin Law at Washington Memorial National Carillon. He is a Carillonneur Member of the Guild of Carillonneurs in North America.
Before coming to the Washington Memorial National Carillon in 1998,
Mr. Gefvert was Bellmaster at historic Old Christ Church in Philadelphia for 21 years. He has written and arranged numerous pieces for carillon and has given recitals in the United States and Canada.
Patriots Tower and The Washington Memorial National Carillon
The beauty of the historic rolling hills of Valley Forge National Historical Park is enhanced by the stately presence and noble sound of Patriots Tower and the Washington Memorial National Carillon, both gifts of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. Completed in 1953, they are living memorials dedicated to the memory of General George Washington.
The Washington Memorial National Carillon of 58 tuned bronze bells, representing all states and U. S. territories, ranks as one of the world's largest and most beautiful. The lower 28 bells were cast by the Meneely Bell Foundry of Watervliet, New York. The upper 30 bells were cast by the Paccard Bell Foundry of Annecy, France. The bells weigh 26 tons, and from the largest bell of 8,000 lbs. to the smallest bell of 13 1/2 lbs., cover a range of nearly five octaves.
In addition to the carillon, Patriots Tower is also home to The Justice Bell, a full-size replica of the Liberty Bell, which was used between 1915 and 1920 in the Women's Suffrage Movement, and a wonderful collection of over 800 porcelain, glass,and metal miniature bells. Also, within Patriots Tower are the names of many patriots inscribed in stone, stained glass, on brass tablets and in a huge Book of Remembrance.
Track List:
1. O Come All Ye Faithful
2. It Came Upon the Midnight Clear
3. What Child is This?
4. The Coventry Carol
5. The First Nowell
6. On Christmas Day
7. O Saviour Sweet
8. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
9. Away in a Manger
10. Joy to the World
11. I Wonder as I Wander
12. Good King Wenceslas
13. O Little Town of Bethlehem
14. Silent Night
15. Angels We Have Heard on High
16. Bring a Torch, Jeannette Isabella
17. Fum, Fum, Fum
18. God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen
Suggested CDs:Other Genres:
- CLASSICAL: Traditional
- CLASSICAL: Contemporary
- MOOD: CHRISTMAS