Celesta
(se-LEST)
[Fr.]
An keyboard instrument invented in Paris in 1886 which resembles a miniature upright piano. It is a percussion instrument, sounded by mallets which strike steel tuning forks set in a soundbox. The mallets are controlled by a keyboard. The range is from the c' on the bass clef staff to c''''' above the treble clef staff.The celesta sounds one octave higher than the written notes
Celesta Pitch Range:

More about instruments.
SUGGESTED LISTENING EXAMPLES:
- Prokofiev: Lieutenant Kijé Suite, Op. 60, "Romance"
- W. W. Norton - 4-CD Musical Example Bank --
Disc 2, Track 16
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- Shostakovich: Ballet suite No. 1, "Music Box Waltz"
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