Celesta, << suh LEHS tuh, >> is a pianolike musical instrument played by means of a keyboard. Small hammers striking against steel plates instead of strings produce the tone. The plates rest above hollow boxes that resonate (increase) the sound. The celesta makes a clear, sweet sound, and its name comes from a French word meaning heavenly. It is used in orchestras but rarely as a solo instrument. Auguste Mustel, a Frenchman, invented the celesta in 1886.
