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Many have joked over the years that the triangle does not require any musical talent but this is not the case. It takes a lot of skill to play the triangle.
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The triangle sounds like a bell when struck with the beater.
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Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig Van Beethoven, and Joseph Haydn all used the triangle in compositions.
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Franz Liszt was the first to give the triangle a prominent piece in a composition - in Piano Concerto No. 1. The triangle had a solo in the third movement. The concerto became known as the 'triangle concerto' because of this.
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The triangle can be played in many ways according to the needs of the musician or musical piece. While the traditional method is to hold it suspended from string or fishing line, others hook it over the hand to allow them to use their fingers to alter the tone. If the string or line is too thick the sound produced is not optimal.
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The triangle is often used in Cajun style music if no drum is available to give the beat.
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In Brazilian style music the triangle is often combined with other instruments such as the zabumba and accordion to create the rhythm section of the band.
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The triangle is known in several languages including German (der triangel), Italian (il triangolo), French (le triangle), and Spanish (el triangulo).
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The first triangles were made of solid iron. They were then changed to be made of steel rod, and eventually steel or brass.
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The average size of a triangle is between four inches to ten inches in diameter. Orchestras prefer triangles between six inches and nine inches, but the choice of size depends on the needs of the musician and the sound required.
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The size and weight of the beater is important as it directly influences the sound produced when it is struck against the triangle.
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The triangle has appeared in the music of popular bands such as Queen (played by John Deacon), Joni Mitchell (in the song Big Yellow Taxi), and in the opening sequence of the theme for The Pink Panther.
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The Foo Fighters is a more modern example of a band that has used the triangle in its music. Their percussionist Drew Hester played triangle solos at some concerts in 2008.
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The triangle has been used repeatedly in depictions of the 1800s for calling people to the dinner table.
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