Tag: triangle

Wikipedia says: The triangle is an idiophone type of musical instrument in the percussion family. It is a bar of metal, usually steel but sometimes other metals such as beryllium copper, bent into a triangle shape. The instrument is usually held by a loop of some form of thread or wire at the top curve. While the triangle theoretically has a definite pitch, it is obscured by the overtones that are produced when struck.

The triangle evolved from the Egyptian sistrum and, like its predecessor, the triangle was largely used for religious purposes. These earlier triangles often had three jingles strung upon the lower bar producing a continuous jingle when struck. This design may have persisted well into the era of Mozart and Beethoven. It was not until the early 19th century where the rings vanished and the triangle developed its clear and unique tone that is known by today.