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Celesta: meaning, definitions and examples

๐ŸŽน
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celesta

 

[ sษ™หˆlษ›stษ™ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

musical instrument

The celesta is a unique musical instrument that produces a soft, bell-like sound. It is played by striking metal plates with hammers and is often used in orchestral and theatrical music. Its delicate tone makes it a favorite for evoking a sense of magic or wonder in various musical compositions, such as in Tchaikovsky's 'The Nutcracker'. The instrument is typically made of wood and metal, resembling a piano in appearance but differing significantly in timbre and resonance.

Synonyms

celeste, heavenly piano

Examples of usage

  • The celesta adds an enchanting quality to orchestral pieces.
  • In the ballet, the celesta was featured prominently during the fairy scene.
  • Composers like Debussy often included the celesta for its ethereal sound.

Translations

Translations of the word "celesta" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น celeste

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเฅเคตเคฐเฅเค—เฅ€เคฏ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช himmlisch

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ langit

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฝะตะฑะตัะฝะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ niebieski

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅคฉใฎ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท cรฉleste

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ celeste

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท cennetin

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ฒœ์ƒ์˜

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุณู…ุงูˆูŠ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ nebeskรฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ nebeskรฝ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅคฉไธŠ็š„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ nebe

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ himneskur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฐัะฟะฐะฝะดั‹า›

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช ะฝะตะฑแƒ”แƒกแƒฃแƒ แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ gรถy

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ celeste

Etymology

The word 'celesta' derives from the Italian word 'celeste', which means 'heavenly'. This reflects the instrumentโ€™s ethereal sound quality. Invented in the 19th century by the French instrument maker Victor Mustel, it was designed to create a sound reminiscent of celestial music. Mustel patented the instrument in 1886, although its roots can be traced back to earlier keyboard instruments. Since its introduction, the celesta has been embraced by many composers, especially in the late Romantic and early 20th centuries, symbolizing magic and the fantastical in music. Its unique timbre gives it a distinct place in orchestras, complementing strings and woodwinds beautifully.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,311, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.