What You Should Know About Playing Orchestral Triangle

Have you ever wondered how to play the triangle? Or how percussion instruments work?
It's more than just a "DING!" Take a dive with me into the world of orchestral percussion. Playing the triangle in an orchestra can be quite tricky, and here are a few reasons why.
This is the first in a series of videos I have planned that will dive deeper into various aspects of orchestral percussion. I figured the triangle was the easiest entry point into this world because of the different types of attention it gets, even in popular culture. My hope is that people who are already interested in classical music, and might not know that much about percussion or the triangle, will gain a certain level of deeper understanding through watching this. I also think back to when I was getting deeper into this world during the last couple years of high school, and was hungry for more information. I had this period of my life in mind when I made this video, and hopefully any other budding percussionists will find it useful for the beginning stages of their percussion education. For those who are already experienced musicians or seasoned professionals, perhaps this could be used as a tool to help answer the question of “What do you even do as an orchestral percussionist?” In any case, if you enjoy the video please help me out by doing the usual actions of liking the video and subscribing to my channel on KZbin. Better yet, if you know someone who you think this would be useful for (students, family members, non-musician friends, etc.), I would be very honored if you shared this with them! If you have any thoughts or additional points about this I would also be glad to hear them.
This video is dedicated in memory of the legendary Alan Abel, whose triangles are heard throughout the world.
www.inquirer.c...
Check out my website for more videos and information:
www.davetarant...
LINKS TO MATERIAL MENTIONED IN VIDEO (bibliography):
Florida Orchestra Triangle Solo
• Florida Orchestra recr...
Car Insurance Commerical
• Triangle solo - Geico
Blog Post by Eric Hopkins (Musicians of the Utah Symphony)
musiciansutahsy...
The Best of George Plimpton
groveatlantic....
Richard Strauss, Ein Heldenleben (full performance)
• Strauss: Ein Heldenleb...
Antonín Dvořák, Symphony no. 9 (full performance)
• Video
Gustav Mahler, Symphony no. 1 (full performance)
• Mahler: Symphony no. 1...
Stroke Types:
Taken from the great teachings of Don Liuzzi, principal timpanist of the Philadelphia Orchestra and through one of his former students Pius Cheung and his article "Marimba Romanticism" in the August/September 2009 issue of Percussive Notes

[@DAMECHEVALIER28]

Triangle needs defenders like you. Congratulations Dave

[@Davetarantino]

You are quite welcome! I encourage all to defend the triangle.

[@i2uthanne]

The more you know! Thanks, Dave!

[@Davetarantino]

Thanks for watching, sis! See you in the car

[@IzzyIkigai]

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.

[@txbooklvr]

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!

[@MajiggerRose]

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!

[@helixfire1198]

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!! 📐

[@Davetarantino]

wow! happy to help! so cool to hear how you use the triangle. Keep on making music.

[@stefanpanzer2996]

Thank you very much for this post!

[@CyberWaveRadio-nn4om]

The triangle is a must have bottome line. You would not have nightmare on elm streat film scores without it

[@Davetarantino]

Yes, you don't know how luck you are to have something until it's taken away from you.

[@simoncho7]

Good stuff! Keep on bringing that content

[@Davetarantino]

More to come!

[@neilwalsh3977]

I love Dvorak 8 - such a happy piece

[@anenglishmanplusamerican7107]

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.

[@irawong]

Great video, Dave - Very informative and excellent production values as well! All the best from Honolulu.

[@mknightshaman3636]

Great video, thank you!

[@LPnotes]

Informative video, thanks!

[@Davetarantino]

Thank you for watching!!

[@Santyago1966]

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.

[@Davetarantino]

happy to hear it! Thank you for watching!

[@annameyer9130]

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.

[@Davetarantino]

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.

[@miguelcarvalho3685]

Congratulations

[@edwardbabcock1388]

Great video, Dave! And Beautiful playing, too.

[@Davetarantino]

Thanks for watching Ted!!!

[@jessicazweig17]

This is spectacular Dave! And I can't wait for my very own "well, let me tell you!" moment.

[@Davetarantino]

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.

[@clonebin0]

great video!

[@Deech72]

Good stuff Dave!

[@Davetarantino]

Thanks for watching Chris!! I have enjoyed seeing the videos you posted recently as well!

[@martineyles]

Rythmic muting can be good - something that I think of as similar to opening and closing a high hat.

[@sergiocabada2385]

This is a brilliant video. I wanna share it with the world. It deserves more than 725 views! :D

[@Davetarantino]

Hi Sergio! Thank you so much for watching! I would be honored if you shared it with anyone you think might be interested.

[@omomolol9636]

Ahh the leedy ludvig 10 vintage, Sounds like the name of a vintage car lol.

[@Davetarantino]

hahaha yes, I wish they still made them TBH

[@ayuu.]

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?

[@Davetarantino]

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.

[@carolinarobledo8153]

Omgosh the beginning of the video but I just bought a triangle and ready to learn to play

[@Davetarantino]

thanks for watching!!

[@AlexNemirovsky]

Nice job!

[@Davetarantino]

Thanks Alex!! It was great to include a clip of the IPO section in the video, including your cymbal playing. I hope all is well with you!

[@AlexNemirovsky]

Everything is OK, Thanks. I have also youtube channel that I did in this strange time. You are welcome to check!

[@rat7963]

I'm playing the triangle for Shostakovich Festive Overture and can confirm the triangle is difficult for me to get right but is fun to play.

[@argerm57]

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?

[@whatifisayyes2022]

Dave, is there a musical piece composed only or mainly for a triangle?

[@justinskrundz8642]

What is it like having a cymbal smashed right behind you in mahler 1

[@Davetarantino]

well thankfully I was wearing earplugs for this performance!

[@MOCHIMALLETS]

Great video, man. Is that a green lego block on a tambourine shelf?

[@Davetarantino]

oooo close one!! It's a green "mini binder clip". Thanks for noticing that tiny detail

[@nastyroach8940]

I’m going to cancel my gym membership. Will burn double the calories playing the triangle!!!!

[@neilwalsh3977]

And the Titanic ending to Mahler

[@Yaddlezap]

Even Chunky Kong can play the triangle.

[@ilayws4448]

lmaoo

[@deportedambush4223]

People be like:not abusing triangle

[@Davetarantino]

I agree!