Glockenspiel: meaning, definitions and examples

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glockenspiel

[ˈɡlɒkənˌspiːl ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

musical instrument

A glockenspiel is a percussion instrument consisting of a set of tuned metal bars arranged in the fashion of a keyboard. It is played by striking the bars with mallets to produce musical tones. The glockenspiel is commonly used in orchestras, marching bands, and musical ensembles.

Synonyms

bells, carillon, chimes.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
glockenspiel	Used primarily in musical contexts, often in orchestras, marching bands, and music education. It consists of metal bars that are struck with a mallet to produce sound. The glockenspiel added a bright, clear sound to the orchestra's performance. In music class, they learned to play 'Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star' on the glockenspiel.
bells	These are used in a wide variety of contexts, including religious ceremonies, schools, clocks, and decorations. Bells produce sound when they are struck, typically by a clapper inside the bell. The church bells rang out to celebrate the wedding. She heard the school bells ringing, signaling the end of the class.
chimes	Can refer to various types of instruments, including wind chimes, hand chimes, or tubular bells. Commonly used in both musical and non-musical settings such as gardens or for signaling purposes. The soft sound of wind chimes added a peaceful ambiance to the garden. The chimes on the door rang as customers entered the shop.
carillon	Refers to a set of stationary bells tuned to produce a harmonious series of sounds. Typically found in bell towers and played using a keyboard or an automatic mechanism. The carillon in the town square played beautiful melodies every hour. Tourists gathered to listen to the carillon concert at the cathedral.

Examples of usage

The musician played the glockenspiel during the symphony.
The sound of the glockenspiel added a sparkling touch to the music.
The glockenspiel contributed a bright and cheerful sound to the performance.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'glockenspiel' comes from German, where 'glocken' means 'bells' and 'spiel' means 'to play.'
It was originally spelled 'Glockenspiel' in Germany, emphasizing its origins in European music.

Historical Origins

First appearing in Europe in the 14th century, this instrument was used in various forms of orchestral and folk music.
Initially designed for outdoor performances, its delicate sounds were perfect for festivals and celebrations.

Pop Culture

The glockenspiel is often featured in film scores, adding a whimsical sound to scenes, like in the movie 'The Sound of Music.'
Many children's cartoons use glockenspiel sounds to create magical or playful moments, making it instantly recognizable.

Science

The glockenspiel works on the principle of vibrating bars, with each bar cut to a specific length to produce different notes.
Its sound has a bell-like quality due to the material (often aluminum or bronze) and the way the bars vibrate.

Literature

In children's stories, the glockenspiel often appears as a whimsical instrument played by enchanted characters or fairies.
Musical literature often describes the glockenspiel as a lively instrument, often used to convey joy or celebration.

Translations

Translations of the word "glockenspiel" in other languages:

🇵🇹 metalofone

🇮🇳 ग्लॉकनस्पील

🇩🇪 Glockenspiel

🇮🇩 glockenspiel

🇺🇦 глокеншпіль

🇵🇱 dzwonki

🇯🇵 グロッケンシュピール

🇫🇷 carillon

🇪🇸 glockenspiel

🇹🇷 glockenspiel

🇰🇷 글로켄슈필

🇸🇦 غلوكنشبييل

🇨🇿 zvonkohra

🇸🇰 zvonkohra

🇨🇳 音樂鐘

🇸🇮 glockenspiel

🇮🇸 glockenspiel

🇰🇿 глокеншпиль

🇬🇪 გლოკენშპილი

🇦🇿 qloxenspil

🇲🇽 glockenspiel

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,243, 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.

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39240 wangled
39241 coruscating
39242 anthropomorphized
39243 glockenspiel
39244 canoeist
39245 kettledrum
39246 bedazzled
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