No Quasimodo, He Brings Music to Notre-Dame Bells

[Digitonomy]

Mr. Urbain, a 40-year-old chemist by training, is the chief sacristan of the cathedral. As such, he is also the chief bell ringer. His role often brings mention of Quasimodo, Victor Hugo’s misshapen “Hunchback of Notre-Dame,” who as the bell ringer was deafened by the volume.

Mr. Urbain rejects the comparison. “I am a little musical,” he said, with characteristic understatement, receiving a visitor amid the robes and golden liturgical vessels of the sacristy. His musicality has led to a minor revolution in the way that the bells have been rung since he became the chief sacristan three years ago.

This has put him in conflict at times with the caretakers of the bells. They visit them six times a year to check the condition of the bronze; examine the electric motors, with their intricate chains, that now swing the bells; and inspect the wooden frame from which they are suspended.
Source

 

[Dale_M]

That was a fun bit of insight, Digitonomy. Thanks for posting it!