Our instruments
Music in motion.
A single movement sets the sound in motion. Making music together takes attention, precision and a close connection between the players.
American handbells
The clapper inside the bell makes its bronze body vibrate. It strikes in one designated direction; movement in the opposite direction is damped to prevent the bell from sounding unintentionally. The musician starts the sound, then also controls when and how it fades away.
One instrument, many sounds
A handbell can be rung by swinging it in the hand, striking it with a mallet or tapping it against the foam-covered table. It can even “sing”: rubbing around its rim can sustain a note for dozens of bars. Different playing techniques bring out different sounds from the same instrument.
Precisely tuned bronze
A bell is an idiophone: a percussion instrument whose own body vibrates to produce sound. Its cast bronze body is tuned by precision machining, adjusting both the fundamental note and its principal overtone. With proper use, its pitch remains stable and it does not need tuning before a concert. Damage can change its sound, however: a crack or break means the bell body must be replaced. That is why we protect our instruments through careful maintenance, soft table surfaces and safe transport.
One melody, many hands.
As handbell musicians, we do not each play a separate musical line: we share the notes of both melody and accompaniment. You could say the melody passes from hand to hand. By listening closely to each other, we pass the musical idea along. Precise entries and dynamics shape our sound together.
Why the gloves?
Gloves help protect the polished bell bodies from fingerprints and dirt. Their non-slip surfaces also help us hold the instruments securely — sometimes we hold four bells at once!
From small bells to handbells
Szironta's story began with Hungarian small bells, instruments that remain an important part of our roots. The wide range and varied playing techniques of handbells opened up new possibilities for the ensemble.
Feel free to ask!
We are happy to tell you about our instruments after the concert. To protect the concert bells, please leave their handling to the musicians. We will gladly show you the instruments set aside at our stand, and you can try them for yourself.
Hear them live