Professional Affiliation

Professor, University of Kansas

Wilson Center Project

The Bells of Russia: Liturgical Practice and Cultural Influence (Vol. 2)

Project Summary

A multidisciplinary interpretative study of the use of bells in the Russian church and the impact of bell ringing upon several areas of Russian culture. Offers an explanation of the role of rhythmic music and the liturgical role of Byzantine semantra in his examinatino of the structural effect of zvon ringing upon the architecture of bell towers. Analyzes bell motifs in literature and music in order to illuminate the psychological climates and scenic associations of bell sounds in the works of Russian poets, novelists and composers.