Definition:

“A percussion instrument consisting of a rod of steel bent into the form of a triangle open at one angle and sounded by striking with a small metal rod.”

Critique:

There is not an exact time frame for when the triangle surfaced. Nevertheless, paintings from the Middle Ages depicted it being played by angels. Hence, it was associated with everything that was heavenly, and it is why it was said to be played during church services. Between the 1700 and 1800, the triangle appeared under other forms. First, there was the early medieval triangle, which was closed and had rings. It was much taller and isosceles, it also took the form of a trapezoidal at times. The baroque triangle followed, which was opened with rolled ends. It could either have rings or not. The instrument gained fame when Franz List used it as a solo instrument in the second movement of the Piano Concerto No. 1. The triangle might look easy and entertaining to play, a lot of people use it for jokes and mockery; however, it is much more complicated than people assume. A triangle player must learn how to control its volume and rhythm perfectly. To obtain lower and quieter notes, a thinner metal rod is used to strike the instrument: such as a knitting needle. Wooden rods are also used for even quieter notes. It can be quite tricky and difficult to play because of the instrument’s indefinite pitch.