Carillons was composed by Grace Williams for oboe and symphony orchestra (but without woodwind instruments) in 1965 in response to a request from the BBC for a light, entertaining piece.
Grace Williams composed Carillons in 1965 from a commission by the BBC in Wales, who requested "something light-weight and entertaining" for the programme Auditorium.
[1] Although completed in 1965 the premier was postponed to coincide with the official opening of the BBC's new studios at Llandaff on St David's Day, 1967.
[1] The piece is scored for solo oboe, 2 french horns, 2 trumpets, 3 trombones, percussion (including triangle, glockenspiel, celesta and tubular bells), harp, and strings (violins, violas, cellos, and double-bass).
[3][5] Carillons was recorded by Anthony Camden (oboe) with the London Symphony Orchestra conducted by David Atherton in 1974 (HMV ASD3006), and re-issued in 1995 (Lyrita SRCD323).