The glockenspiel is a tuned percussion instrument, part of a diverse family of instruments played by striking, shaking, or scraping. Resembling a small xylophone but made of steel bars, it produces a bright, high-pitched sound when played with wooden or plastic mallets. Also known as orchestra bells, its name means “to play the bells” in German. Like other percussion instruments, it contributes rhythm, texture, and tone color to the orchestra and has roots in musical traditions from around the world.

The celesta, invented in 1886 by Auguste Mustel, is a keyboard percussion instrument that resembles a small organ but produces a soft, bell-like sound using metal bars. It gained worldwide recognition after Tchaikovsky featured it in The Nutcracker, particularly in Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Its unique tone captivated impressionist composers like Ravel and Debussy, as well as late romantics such as Mahler and Strauss. Though the original manufacturer no longer produces celestas, the instrument remains popular and firmly established in both classical and modern music for its charming and distinctive sound.

In the 19th century, tubular bells became especially popular in orchestral music, often used to imitate church bells or create a festive atmosphere. Their rich, resonant tone made them a favorite for dramatic and ceremonial effects, contributing to the distinct sound of Romantic-era compositions. Composers like Berlioz, Mahler, and others incorporated them to add color, depth, and emotional impact to their works, helping to establish tubular bells as a staple in the symphonic percussion section.

In the 19th century, experiments with keyboard-struck tuning forks led to “tuning-fork pianos,” notably developed by Victor Mustel. This innovation evolved into the celesta, patented in 1886, which uses graduated steel bars struck by hammers.