This LP documents two compositions that are part of Olaf Nicolai’s work Carillon: Isabel Mundry’s Outisde In, a piece for 15 cowbells, and Carillon, the field recording of a freeform composition created by 15 grazing cows.

Carillon was conceived for Museion in Bolzano on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the new museum building. The first step was the production of 15 cowbells especially for this purpose. Each cowbell is different and has its own unique sound. Nicolai had commissioned the composer Isabel Mundry to write a piece for the cowbells, which premiered at Museion on May 5th, 2018. After the performance, the bells were hung around the necks of calves grazing on the Talvera meadows outside the museum, launching a second, freeform composition. This concert moved during the summer months along with the cattle to the alpine meadows of the Salten plateau on Tschögglberg ridge, where the cows are put to pasture each year until the end of September. A hiking map showing the locations of the cattle could be used to “hike” the composition.

Carillon links the institution of the museum to the rural traditions of the surrounding area with their seasonal rhythms. A new rhythm is created here, building a unique bridge between the museum and its mountainous setting. Repeat performance of Carillon, which Museion acquired for its collection, are planned in the coming years.