Celesta is a keyboard instrument with a five octave tonal range. When writing for celesta, the same technique is applied as when writing for piano - two staves are used. Nevertheless, the instrument sounds one octave higher than written. The sound is produced by a hammer mechanism hitting a metal plate.

The sound of celesta is thin by nature and is easily drowned out by orchestral texture. Therefore it is recommended one applies much space and soft dynamics to the texture when writing for celesta.

With the electronically enhanced celesta the volume of sound can be adjusted by amplification.

Recommended combinations:

Celesta with a woodwind
Celesta with a string instrument