Glockenspiel
The
glockenspiel is a percussion
instrument with a set of tuned metal plates, laid out like a piano keyboard, and
struck with a pair of small hammers. The term is German, meaning play
bells (Glocken = bells, spiel = play).
The glockenspiel originates
from Indonesia, from where it was brought into the Netherlands in the 1650s, and
from there it spread over Europe. It was used by Handel
in 1739.
A modified version of the glockenspiel is frequently employed by military bands. It has a slightly lesser range, and is made in a special ornamental frame so that it can be carried and played whilst on the march. The very high pitch of this instrument serves to make it audible above the heavy sounds of the brass in a military band.