glockenspiel

/ˈɡlɑkənˌʃpil/

Other forms: glockenspiels

A glockenspiel is a percussion instrument comprised of metal bars that are struck with a hammer. The glockenspiel is common in German music.

If you listen to German music and hear a lively instrument that sounds like bells, you've probably heard a glockenspiel. This delightful percussion instrument produces its bell-like sound from metal bars struck with a small hammer. The spiel part is from German for play. The glocken part is German for bells. The glockenspiel has been around since the 1800's and is still used today, especially in Germany. A glockenspiel is similar to a xylophone.

Definitions of glockenspiel

1. noun

   a percussion instrument consisting of a set of graduated metal bars mounted on a frame and played with small hammers
   synonyms: orchestral bells

   type of:

   percussion instrument, percussive instrument

   a musical instrument in which the sound is produced by one object striking another