Thank you! I got a 5" triangle because it (and a tambourine) was on sale when I bought my keyboard from an online music shop. Thank you for explaining this! I use percussion instruments for when I march with my labor union (because I'm tired of losing my voice and holding home depot buckets as drums haha). Thank you very much for showing the MELODIC percussive instrument that is the Triangle!! 📐
As a visually impaired individual, my love for playing instruments knows no bounds. Recently, I made the decision to purchase a 6-inch triangle, reigniting a passion that has been a part of my life since my school days. The allure of owning my own instrument, one that I can call mine, was irresistible. The sound of the triangle has always held a special place in my heart. Its metallic resonance has a calming effect on me, evoking a sense of tranquility unlike any other. It’s fascinating how such a seemingly simple instrument can have such a profound impact on one’s emotions. It puzzles me, much like yourself, why the triangle is often underestimated in the realm of musical instruments. To me, it’s so much more than just a metal triangle; it’s a source of depth and richness that enhances the orchestral experience in ways that words can scarcely describe. I take great pride in my decision to purchase this instrument, and I eagerly anticipate the moments when I can lose myself in its ethereal tones, creating music that resonates with my soul. Here’s to embracing the beauty of the triangle and celebrating the joy it brings to my life.
why no more videos? Well, the Covid lockdown era ended, and then my wife gave birth to our first child... so no more time to make videos unfortunately😂. hopefully one day in the future I can make more!
Thinking about the examples you provided and how you varied offset, angle and speed in each instance, what size of cymbal and style of playing would you recommend for marches played in a concert band context (e.g. Sousa, von Suppe)? Think lots of quarter note / eighth note passages that are written forte+.
I never thought about getting lessons for percussion accessories but man I learned so much things! I've been playing in orchetra for more than 10 years and there are many little things that I haven't been taught, like holding the cymbals right, doing a triangle roll, playing the wood sticks right.. so thank you for all that.
Thank you for the video! I’m playing The Sorcerers Apprentice for concert band this Sunday, and I’m playing the glockenspiel and triangle part for it. The triangle part is very underrated and difficult, and triangle is definitely an underrated instrument. Thank you!
Watched this video to try and figure out what the triangle sounds like in an orchestra and I was wondering if my headphones were just broken but finally, you helped me hear what to listen for! Thank you so much!
Hey there, I saw there's an Alan Abel Wagner-Mahler 6" Triangle and a Symphonic 6" version. Do you happen to have both symphonic vs wagner for sound comparison?
Hello! Thanks for your comment! The Alan Abel Wagner-Mahler triangle is a little bit louder and fuller than the "Symphonic" model. The other huge difference is the bottom corner. The Wagner-Mahler model has a more rounded corner that makes it a little more difficult to bounce the triangle beater from edge to edge. The Symphonic model also has a more rounded edge than other brands of triangles but not as much as the Wagner-Mahler. I would highly recommend the Symphonic model for all general playing. In my humble opinion the Wagner-Mahler model sounds great but is not different enough from the Symphonic model to warrant purchasing both. If you are looking for a triangle that is beefier and has more overtones than the Symphonic model then perhaps look for a 10" triangle from a different company.
Thanks a lot for this very useful video. I'm a drummer and just bought a Triangle to expand the variery of sound in my kit. Your vid gave me lots of clues on how to play this fine instrument.
I always thought that you played a triangle on the leg that is across from the opening. No? It would seem that is the strongest part of the triangle,. but maybe you want to the low frequencies as part of the sound, so you hit one of the open sides instead of the closed side. Can you explain a little about this?
Damn, I love seeing orchestral percussionists making videos of how they like to beat it. One handed, two handed, hanging freely. I just can't stop watching.
Tchaikovsky 4, Pictures at an Exhibition, 1812 Overture, Tchaikovsky 4 again, Tchaikovsky 6, Strauss Ein Heldenleben (I think), Mahler 5, No clue, Brahms Variations on a theme by Haydn, Bruckner 7, Strauss Alpine Symphony. So, no, I cannot, in fact, name all of the pieces.
Thanks Jess! Believe me, the time will come. Consider yourself a "secret agent" of the triangle. People will mock the instrument knowing you play the clarinet and BAM there's your chance.
Dave! This is fantastic. I was riveted the entire time, and as a piccolo player, can appreciate the juxtaposition of terror and exhilaration that comes with playing one of the high frequency instruments. Bravo to you! My question is about the triangle that has what appears to be smaller arms at the ends. Does this affect sound production? Thank you, and can't wait for the next one.
Thanks for watching Anna!!! Yes... high pitched instruments are tough to play. Although a piccolo player has to deal with this much more intensely I'm sure. The triangle that I think you are talking about (an Alan Abel triangle that was "invented" right here in Philly!) was originally designed from some sort manufacturing equipment. I forget the specifics, but I think it was a piece of a machine used to weave fabric?? In any case, they found this rod of metal that was smaller on each end and had it bent into a triangle to see if it would make a good instrument. Sure enough it did, and they kept the smaller ends as a design feature to match the original ever since. I'm not quite sure what it changes in the sound production specifically, but it must be something. Otherwise I think it was more of a "if it ain't broke don't fix it!" kind of decision in its design.
