Celesta
Celesta or celeste
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| Keyboard instrument | |
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| Inventor(s) | Victor Mustel, Auguste Mustel |
| Developed | 1860, 1886 |
The celesta is a special musical instrument with a keyboard. It looks a lot like a small upright piano. The name "celesta" comes from the French word "céleste," which means "heavenly." This instrument was invented in 1886.
How the Celesta Makes Sound
When you press a key on a celesta, a small hammer inside strikes a metal plate. These metal plates are like tuned bells. They create a soft, bell-like sound. The celesta usually has a range of three to five octaves. It also has a pedal, just like a piano. This pedal can make the sound last longer or stop it quickly.
The Celesta in Music
The celesta is famous for its magical sound. One of the most well-known pieces of music for the celesta is from The Nutcracker. This is a ballet by Tchaikovsky. The celesta plays a very important part in the "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" song. Its clear, bell-like sound makes the music feel like a fairy tale.
Images for kids
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The Mustel celesta mechanism
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Inside view of a celesta
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Celesta with back cover removed
See also
In Spanish: Celesta para niños
