Main Page | See live article | Alphabetical index

Celesta

The celesta (pronounced se-lest-a or cheh-lest-a) is a keyboard musical instrument found in symphony orchestras. The keys on the celesta are connected to rods which strike metal bars similar to those found on the glockenspiel. The most famous use of the celesta is in the Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy from Tchaikovsky's ballet, The Nutcracker.

Compare with: