The origin of bells is obscure, their history a long one. But they have always had a mystical and religious significance. They have also served a practical purpose throughout the ages. Ancient temples, village churches, and cathedrals in great cities used bells to summon the population to prayer. And bells tolled on eventful occasions, both solemn and joyous. In medieval monasteries, bells were rung morning, noon, and night to regulate the lives of their inhabitants.

    For an orchestral piece, a composer will occasionally want the solemn quality of church bells. Since church bells could hardly be brought into the concert hall, a substitute had to be found.

    Orchestral bells are not really bells or even bell shaped. They are actually a row of hollow metal tubes suspended from a metal frame. These tubes are so arranged in length that they can produce a scale. When they are struck with a hammer, the effect is like the pealing of church bells.