Bell
8-Bell Harmony System
System Description:
The 8-Bell Harmony System is an electromechanical musical instrument consisting of eight precision-tuned bronze bells. Designed for expressive musical performance, it supports both real-time play via keyboard and automated playback through an integrated memory system. Built with robust components and powered by Paccard’s advanced Harmony controller, the system enables rich tonal output, scalable integration, and reliable operation for architectural, ceremonial, and institutional settings.
| Bell No. | Bell Note | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|
|
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 |
G5 A5 B5 C6 D6 E6 F6 F#6 |
32 26 24 22 21 20 20 17 |
Musical Capabilities:
Unlike traditional chime setups, this bell system functions as a fully playable instrument. Each bell is tuned to a specific pitch, and together they form a scale-rich set that enables the performance of melodies, harmonies, and even traditional or contemporary compositions. Musicians can perform live using a connected keyboard, while the built-in memory allows for pre-programmed playback of saved pieces. Thanks to the carefully selected notes, the system supports a variety of major, minor, and modal scales, opening the door to expressive, structured musical performances across different styles and traditions.
The system’s tuning structure is specifically configured to maximize tonal versatility within a limited pitch range. The inclusion of both F and F♯ expands the available harmonic space, enabling access to overlapping tonal systems such as major, natural minor, and modal structures. This configuration allows composers and programmers to build melodic and harmonic material in multiple keys using a fixed, stable setup. The system ensures consistent pitch accuracy, note separation, and harmonic clarity — making it well-suited for structured musical sequencing and tonal analysis.
Supported Musical Scales
| Scale Name | Notes in Scale | Type |
|---|---|---|
|
G Major E Natural Minor A Dorian B Phrygian C Lydian D Mixolydian G Mixolydian A Natural Minor C Major D Dorian F Lydian F Lydian Dominant |
G A B C D E F♯ E F♯ G A B C D A B C D E F♯ G B C D E F G A C D E F♯ G A B D E F♯ G A B C G A B C D E F A B C D E F G C D E F G A B D E F G A B C F G A B C D E F G A B C D E |
Major Minor Mode (Dorian) Mode (Phrygian) Mode (Lydian) Mode (Mixolydian) Mode (Mixolydian) Minor Major Mode (Dorian) Mode (Lydian) Mode (Lydian Dominant) |
System Control: Harmony by Paccard
The operation of the 8-Bell Harmony System is managed by the Harmony Controller, developed by Paccard Bell Foundry in France. This control system combines centralized processing with distributed activation circuits, ensuring precise and reliable bell performance across both manual and automated modes. Each bell is equipped with an independent electromechanical hammer, triggered by dedicated electronic circuitry. These are coordinated by the central controller to execute either real-time input or scheduled playback with accurate timing and tonal consistency.
The Harmony system supports:
- Manual play via a digital keyboard interface
- Automated playback of pre-programmed sequences
- Programmable scheduling for daily or event-based routines
- Remote configuration and diagnostics through the WinHARMONY software suite
Designed for long-term operation, the system maintains pitch integrity, synchronization, and performance reliability under varied environmental and functional demands.
Execution & Collaboration
The 8-Bell Harmony System was realized through a coordinated effort between international and local specialists, combining heritage craftsmanship with modern technical expertise.
The bells and control system were provided by Paccard Bell Foundry, based in Sévrier, France. Established in 1796, Paccard is one of the most esteemed bell foundries in the world, known for its precise casting, tonal quality, and innovations in bell automation. Their proprietary Harmony controller forms the core of the system’s musical and operational capabilities.
The on-site integration, mounting, and deployment of the system were carried out by Madonna Electronics, an Indian technology firm with experience in embedded systems and automation. Their work included mechanical installation of the bells and hammers, electrical interfacing with the Harmony system, system testing, and ongoing technical support.
Through this collaboration, the church now houses a system that blends traditional bell-making excellence with modern reliability and flexibility — enabling the bells to serve both liturgical and musical purposes with precision and dignity.
About Paccard Bell Foundry
Paccard Bell Foundry, established in 1796 in the village of Quintal, France, is one of the oldest and most prestigious bell foundries in the world. The foundry was born out of a historical moment — when the town, stripped of its church bells during the French Revolution, inspired a young mayor named Antoine Paccard to take up the craft of bell-making himself. His first bell, still ringing in the tower of Quintal, marked the beginning of a family legacy that now spans eight generations.
Over the centuries, the Paccard Foundry has become globally renowned for its commitment to craftsmanship, acoustic precision, and innovation. By the late 19th century, Paccard had gained international recognition, casting iconic bells such as La Savoyarde for the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Paris — the largest bell in France at the time.
Today, the foundry continues to operate from Sévrier, near Lake Annecy, and has cast more than 125,000 bells installed in churches, cathedrals, universities, and public spaces across the world. The company is currently led by Philippe Paccard, a seventh-generation bell founder, who continues to guide the foundry’s mission of preserving tradition while embracing modern technological advances.
Under his leadership, Paccard has introduced groundbreaking projects such as Ars Sonora®, a musical bell sculpture that merges visual design with interactive performance technology. The foundry also developed the Harmony Controller, the system used in the 8-Bell Harmony installation, allowing bells to be played both manually and automatically with precision.
Paccard’s dedication to uniting heritage craftsmanship with modern control systems ensures their bells continue to serve both spiritual and musical roles in communities around the world.
About Madonna Electronics
Madonna Electronics, founded in 1987, is an Indian company specializing in embedded systems and automation solutions for churches and related institutions. Under the leadership of its director, Mr. Felix Silvester, the company has developed a range of innovations focused on liturgical and infrastructure needs.
Madonna is the inventor and manufacturer of the Pulsator®, a patented church bell automation system launched in 2012, now installed in over 1000 churches across India and abroad. The company also manufactures bronze church bells at its foundry in Mannar, Kerala, using precise copper-tin ratios to ensure tonal clarity and longevity. In addition, Madonna supplies imported bells from France with options for customization.
For the 8-Bell Harmony System, Madonna Electronics handled the local integration, installation, and technical setup, ensuring smooth operation in alignment with the system’s liturgical use.