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5 undervalued facts about the triangle tool
The triangular percussion instrument is probably one of the least thought-to in terms of training involved and the degree of coolness.
Unfortunately for professional triangle players, this actually makes playing the triangle more stressful than other, more prestigious instruments (like the cello or an elaborate bassoon).
I mean, do you want to be someone who misinterpreted the triangular part of the symphony?
Triangles are not always triangles.
So, where did the triangle come from?
Often the first triangles were trapezoidal and triangles were more like an isosceles triangle than an equilateral triangle that we all know and ignore today.
Unlike modern triangles, which have an open bottom angle, the ancient triangle was a continuous metal triangle, often with additional metal rings threaded through the bottom bar.
Triangles have appeared extensively in religious ceremonies and artworks across Europe since the 14th century.
There are even works of art depicting angels playing the triangles while singing.
The Triangle is an orchestral musical instrument performed by 18th century composers copying the Turkish army.
Triangles are great when you're in elementary school - just tap it once in a while and come back to daydreaming!
In the 1700s, the Turkish royal family had an elite team of bodyguards known as the Janissaries.
They are known for playing Janissary, the signature music of percussion instruments, from drums to bells.
Basically, if you can hit it, the Janissaries will play it.
In 1720, Polish ruler Augustus II “applied” Janissary music to his army, which effectively introduced the triangle to all of Europe.
Composers such as Mozart and Beethoven began to incorporate, albeit a little, into their compositions.
Triangle took almost 100 years to become a popular orchestral instrument.
The first prominent use of the triangle in European classical music dates back to February 17, 1855.
The Modest Triangle had its own solo performance in Franz Liszt's Piano Concert No. 1 in the E-flat major.
This triangle's solo has generated a lot of ridicule from critics, with one critic calling the track "Triangle Concerto" I'm sure he found it funny.
Triangles are an easy musical instrument, so the parts written for them are often very intricate.
Anyone can hit a triangle with a stick.
However, the triangles are still musical instruments, and so they have a technique to perfection and that can often take a lifetime.
George Plimpton, a journalist known for being involved in every profession he writes about, says playing triangles for the New York Philharmonic was the scariest thing he'd ever done.
And this is a guy who played for the Detroit Lions in the NFL, joined the PGA Tour, and even trained as a goalkeeper for the NHL, all amateurs.
There are tracks that call for the triangle to be played on a stand while the triangle player uses 2 beats.
Also, there are various types of beaters and straps for use on the triangle, all of which affect the tone, volume, and clarity of the sound produced.
Sometimes triangles are hung on the fishing line, to make sure the sound produced is as clear as possible.
Other times, mainly in Latin and Cajun folk music, triangles are hung on the hand to dampen specific notes in specific ways.
People are still using Triangle in contemporary music.
A lot of facts about triangles go back to history books and you might think triangles are just wearing suits.
But did you know that back in 2008, Foo Fighters had percussion artist Drew Hester playing a triangle solo on their 2008 tour?
The trio is a simple musical instrument that produces a clear, penetrating sound that can cut through the sound of an entire orchestra.
It's easy to ignore this modest twisted steel bar, but hopefully I've inspired you to pay attention a little more to a simple sounding percussion instrument.
If nothing else, you can always add "Pro Triangles Player" to the list of things you will never do!
