 A glockenspiel made by Malletech | |
| Percussion instrument | |
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| Other names |
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| Classification | Keyboard percussion |
| Hornbostel–Sachs classification | 111.222 (Sets of percussion plaques) |
| Playing range | |
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| Related instruments | |
Theglockenspiel (/ˈɡlɒkənʃpiːl/GLO-kən-shpeel;German pronunciation:[ˈɡlɔkənˌʃpiːl] or[ˈɡlɔkn̩ˌʃpiːl],Glocken: bells andSpiel: play) orbells is apercussion instrument consisting of pitchedaluminum orsteel bars arranged in akeyboard layout. This makes the glockenspiel a type ofmetallophone, similar to thevibraphone.
The glockenspiel is played by striking the bars withmallets, often made of a hard material such as metal or plastic. Its clear, high-pitched tone is often heard inorchestras,wind ensembles,marching bands, and inpopular music.
In German, acarillon is also called aGlockenspiel, and in French, the glockenspiel is sometimes called acarillon. It may also be called ajeu de timbres (lit. 'set of small bells') in French, although this term may sometimes be specifically reserved for thekeyboard glockenspiel.[1] In Italian, the termcampanelli (lit. 'little bells') is used.[2]
The glockenspiel is sometimes erroneously referred to as axylophone. (The xylophone has wooden bars, unlike the glockenspiel which has metal bars.)[3] ThePixiphone, a type of toy glockenspiel, was one such instrument sold as a xylophone.
The glockenspiel is limited to the upperregister and typically covers between2+1⁄2 and 3octaves, though certain professional models may reach up to3+1⁄2 octaves.[4] The glockenspiel is often atransposing instrument and sounds two octaves above the written pitch, though this is sometimes remedied by using anoctave clef.[5]
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Early glockenspiels were percussion instruments that produced notes via small bronzebells that were tuned with a drumstick. The bells were replaced by metal sound plates in the 17th century. In the 18th century the instrument was played using a keyboard that struck the bottom of each plate with a hammer.[6] The use of mallets evolved during the 19th century, coinciding withRomanticism.[7]
When used in amarching ormilitary band, the bars are sometimes mounted in a portable case and held vertically, sometimes in alyre-shaped frame. However, the bars may be held horizontally, using a harness similar to that found on amarching snare. Inorchestral use, the bars are mounted horizontally.
Larger sets of glockenspiel (i.e., sets three octaves or larger) are often equipped with asustain pedal, not unlike that of avibraphone.[8]
From 1918 to 1932, J.C. Deagan, Inc. manufactured bells equipped with a resonator under the name Parsifal bells.[9] BothAdams andYamaha model their professional-grade glockenspiels on the Deagan design.[10]
The glockenspiel is played with unwrappedmallets made of hard material, such as metal (usuallybrass oraluminum) or a type ofpolymer (usuallyLexan,acrylic,phenolic, ornylon). Non-metal mallets are used for general playing, while metal mallets produce a more brilliant sound. Rubber mallets may be used for a warmer sound, although rubber that is too soft may struggle to excite the metal bars. Playing chords on a glockenspiel can be done with four mallets using a grip such asStevens technique.
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In the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada, a form of glockenspiel is called a bell lyre, bell lyra, or lyra-glockenspiel.[11] The bell lyre is a form of glockenspiel commonly used inmarching bands.[12]
One variation is played vertically and has an extendable spike that is held on a strap. The player marches with the strap over one's shoulder and plays the instrument upright with a mallet. Another variation of the bell lyre exists that is supported by a strap around the shoulders and back. This variation is played horizontally with two mallets. Since the middle of the 19th century this form has been used in military and civil bands in Germany, where it is called aStahlspiel orMilitär-Glockenspiel.
The all-percussiondrum and lyre corps in the Philippines uses this as a main instrument. This form of glockenspiel is also popular inColombian marching band music.[13]
Many marching bands stopped using bell lyres with the introduction of thefront ensemble. One of the few college marching bands with a glockenspiel section is UC Berkeley'sUniversity of California Marching Band, where they are affectionately referred to as "glocks".[14]
Media related toGlockenspiels at Wikimedia Commons| International | |
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