Selecting the right triangle and beater combination can make or break your performance in orchestral settings. In Ravel’s Alborada del Gracioso, the triangle plays a critical role in creating a specific texture and energy. Here’s how you can make the best choice for this masterpiece.
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TL;DR
Alborada demands a triangle tone that combines pianissimo articulation with rich overtones.
The artisan 8-inch triangle with a large steel beater delivers power and articulation.
The Arch bronze 7-inch with a double beater balances tone and dynamics for versatile performance.
Proper combinations of triangle and beaters allow for perfect execution in both orchestral and audition settings.
Meet Your Instructor
Gerardo Capaldo is a Black Swamp Percussion Artist, a composer, and percussionists for the Teatro alla Scala and Filarmonica della Scala. Gerardo is also the author of The Orchestral Tambourine and several original compositions including Campus Manfoli, which was commissioned by Black Swamp Percussion for the 20th Anniversary of the Multisonic Snare Drum.
The Role of the Triangle in Alborada del Gracioso
Ravel's Alborada del Gracioso is a dynamic and vibrant piece that showcases the subtle yet essential voice of the triangle. At figure one, the first stroke of the triangle punctuates the oboist’s opening theme, making the choice of instrument and beater pivotal. The triangle part must balance delicacy and power, providing crisp articulation without overshadowing the beauty of the surrounding orchestration.
The 6" Legacy Bronze Triangle is a brilliant and complex instrument with a beautiful cast of overtones. The 6" size is perfect for a wide array of use cases in this work.
The Large Bronze Spectrum Triangle Beater (SPEC3) is the heaviest of the Spectrum Beater options and will produce the widest spectrum of overtones from the triangle. Just because this is a heavy beater it doesn't mean you can't play pianissimo.
Finding the Right Triangle Size
The choice of triangle size is essential when playing Ravel’s Alborada. For this piece, you’ll want to explore multiple options. The artisan 8-inch triangle provides a robust tone, making it ideal for louder, more articulated moments, while smaller triangles, such as the 6-inch Legacy Bronze, offer subtler resonance for softer sections.
For maximum clarity, the 8-inch triangle is a great fit when more forceful accents are needed, particularly in the latter sections of Alborada. Its size ensures that the sound cuts through, while still maintaining the overtone richness that Ravel's music demands.
The large, green steel select beater offers the most clarity and articulation out of your triangle. Paired with an Artisan steel triangle will give you the most percussive sound with minimal overtones.
Beater Selection: Steel or Bronze?
In Alborada, beater selection is just as important as the triangle itself. The large steel beater is the preferred choice for sections requiring clear, articulate strikes. Its material brings out the triangle’s percussive side, producing a clean articulation without sacrificing the beauty of the sound.
For softer, more delicate sections, a bronze beater—particularly from the bronze spectrum series—offers a warmer tone with smoother overtones. This beater is perfect for passages where a balance between subtlety and projection is needed.
Combining Triangles and Beaters for Optimal Results
In some sections of Alborada, such as the third and fourth, a combination approach is ideal. Using the Arch bronze 7-inch triangle with a double beater combines the percussive articulation of steel with the warmth of bronze. This combination allows for flexibility, enabling you to adjust your playing based on the dynamics and context of the music.
Each combination offers unique textures that allow you to match the energy and mood of different passages in the piece. Testing these combinations ensures you are fully prepared for both rehearsals and performances.
The Arch Bronze triangles offer the most dark and complex overtones from the selection of Black Swamp triangles.
Closing Thoughts
Ravel’s Alborada del Gracioso challenges percussionists to find the perfect balance of tone, power, and subtlety in their triangle playing. While the artisan 8-inch triangle and large steel beater are excellent choices, experimenting with different sizes and materials can offer unexpected and effective results. Ultimately, the best combination is the one that complements your musical interpretation and the ensemble's needs. Take time to explore, practice, and find what works best for you.
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