Glockenspiel, Musical instrument at Mozartplatz, Salzburg, Austria
The Glockenspiel is a musical instrument comprising 35 bells spanning three octaves, housed in the tower of the Neue Residenz in central Salzburg. A mechanical system controls the instrument and enables its daily concert performances to play automatically.
The instrument was built in the early 20th century and became an important feature of the Neue Residenz in Salzburg. After a restoration period, it returned to operation in 2011 and has since preserved its original mechanical drive system.
The carillon performs daily concerts featuring compositions from Mozart's operas, particularly selections from The Magic Flute and Don Giovanni. These musical performances shape the acoustic character of central Salzburg and allow visitors to hear classical melodies in their original setting.
The instrument plays concerts daily at set times, and performances can be heard free of charge from the street below. Those wanting to experience the bells up close and enjoy the tower views can inquire about guided tours, which are offered during certain seasons.
Inside the instrument is a large brass cylinder punched with thousands of holes that functions like a mechanical music card. This ingenious design allows more than 100 different musical pieces to play automatically without anyone needing to be present.
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