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glockenspiel

a percussion instrument of tuned metal bars

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Where does the word "glockenspiel" come from? It comes from German Glockenspiel, and was adopted directly into English (1820s).

Read the full story

Where does the word "glockenspiel" come from? It comes from German Glockenspiel, and was adopted directly into English (1820s).

Glockenspiel’s story begins in German: Glockenspiel meant “bell play.” 'bell play', a set of bells; Mozart wrote a part for one in 'The Magic Flute' of 1791. It reached English by 1820s as glockenspiel. Borrowed for the orchestral instrument. Today, glockenspiel means a percussion instrument of tuned metal bars.

  1. Stage 1 · German · 1600s Glockenspiel "bell play", 'bell play', a set of bells; Mozart wrote a part for one in 'The Magic Flute' of 1791.
  2. Stage 2 · English · 1820s glockenspiel "glockenspiel", borrowed for the orchestral instrument.

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