Why Is the Glockenspiel Important?

In German the word 'glockenspiel' means 'to play the bells'. Most percussion instruments do not produce a pitch when struck like the glockenspiel does, making it a unique percussion instrument. In Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's 1791 composition The Magic Flute, the glockenspiel is used for the bird catcher's character.

What is the purpose of glockenspiel?

The glockenspiel – not to be confused with a xylophone – is the most well-known of the metallophone family of instruments. It is often used in pop songs to illustrate naivety or childlike wonderment, so entwined with school music rooms is its history.

What do you call someone who plays the glockenspiel?

Noun. 1. xylophonist - someone who plays a xylophone. percussionist - a musician who plays percussion instruments.