|
|
1. History: The celesta was invented in 1886 by Paris organ maker Auguste Mustel. His father, Charles Victor Mustel, developed the celesta's predecessor, the typewriter, in 1860, it is an instrument that worked by striking a tuning fork instead of the metal plate used in the celesta. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky is generally considered the first major composer to use the celesta in a full orchestral work. He first used it in his symphonic poem "Voyevoda" in 1891. In 1892, he used the celesta in the "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" in the ballet "The Nutcracker".（ 01， 02） |
2. Structure: The celesta is also a percussion instrument operated by a keyboard. It looks similar to an upright piano, but the keys and cabinet are smaller, similar to a large wooden music box. A piano produces sounds by striking the strings, while a celesta produces sounds by striking a metal plate. The keys of a celesta are attached to four sets of hammers simultaneously, which strike a set of graduated metal plates or bars (usually steel) suspended from a wooden resonator. There is a resonance tube attached under each steel bar, which amplifies the volume and makes the sound clear and pure. It also usually has a damper pedal that maintains or dampens the sound. (Three-octave instruments do not have pedals because their "tabletop" design is small.). The standard French four-octave celesta is now gradually being replaced in symphony orchestras by the larger five-octave German model. |
|
|
3. Features: The sound of the celesta is similar to that of the carillon, but the tone is softer and more subtle. It is sometimes called a bell piano. The sound in the bass area is pure and mellow, and its lingering sound lingers around the ears, so it has an illusory sense of mystery. It can get great results when playing pieces like "Harry Potter" and so on. This quality gave the instrument its name celeste, which means "heaven" in French. The celesta is often used to enhance a melodic line played by another instrument. Most of the time, the celesta is rarely soloed due to its delicate, bell-like sound not being loud enough.
Celesta Solo Sound Example  （See here）
|
4. Example of Morricone's music
|
|
|
