Mastering the Whisper: Achieving Expressive Soft Triangle Playing with Tim Adams
- Nathan Coles
- Oct 2
- 3 min read
Have you ever wondered how professional percussionists achieve those ethereal, barely-there triangle notes that perfectly cap off a musical phrase or an entire movement? It’s more than just playing quietly; it’s about making a thoughtful musical decision that serves the piece. Today, we're diving deep into the art of soft triangle playing.
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Meet Your Instructor
We're incredibly fortunate to learn from Black Swamp Artist, Tim Adams, a renowned percussionist whose insights come from years of professional performance and dedication to his craft. While widely celebrated for his distinguished career as the Principal Timpanist of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Tim Adams has built an equally impressive legacy as a dedicated and sought-after educator. He shapes the next generation of musicians as the head of the percussion program at Carnegie Mellon University, but his passion for teaching extends far beyond the conservatory walls. From mentoring young aspiring players and developing high school percussion events to teaching at the Brevard Music Center and presenting masterclasses globally, his commitment is clear. His approachable and inspiring nature was even showcased on the beloved children's program, "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood," solidifying his reputation as a trusted and valued mentor for percussionists at every stage of their journey.
The Challenge of Soft Triangle Playing
Every percussionist knows the moment: the conductor gives that cue, signaling a soft, sustained triangle note to conclude a delicate passage or an entire symphony. Your first instinct might be to simply strike the instrument very, very lightly. While this works, often times your nerves can get the best of you and that delicate moment loses it's finesse and gentle touch. The goal in these moments isn't just quiet; it's often seamlessness, sustain, and an integrated texture.
The Scrape Technique
Tim Adams introduces us to a truly transformative technique for achieving a soft, sustained attack: the "scrape." This isn't just a random motion; it's a deliberate and highly effective method, drawing inspiration from similar techniques used on cymbals, like those found in Debussy's La Mer.
Place your triangle beater against the side of the triangle. Instead of a direct strike, you execute a very soft, controlled sweep or scrape along the edge.
This technique allows you to produce a sustained sound almost immediately, without the sharper initial attack of a direct strike. It’s perfect for those moments when you need the triangle to "bloom" into the soundscape rather than pierce it. The slower and softer your sweep, the more delicate and sustained the effect will be.
Tim Adams' Gear Tour: The Legacy Triangle
Tim highlights the Legacy Triangle by Black Swamp Percussion, describing it as "really beautiful" with "a lot of nice overtones, a lot of beautiful sustain." The choice of instrument is crucial for achieving the desired sound, especially when aiming for delicate dynamics. A high-quality triangle like the Legacy model provides:
Rich Overtone Series: This contributes to the shimmering, complex sound that sustains beautifully.
Exceptional Sustain: Essential for those long, delicate notes where the sound needs to hang in the air.
Consistent Response: A well-crafted instrument will respond predictably to various techniques, making subtle playing like the scrape much easier to control.
While the technique itself is paramount, having an instrument that can truly sing, even at the softest dynamics, amplifies your efforts.
Why Nuance Matters
Making thoughtful musical decisions goes beyond just hitting the right note at the right time. It's about understanding the composer's intent, the context of the piece, and how your sound contributes to the overall musical tapestry. A perfectly executed soft scrape can elevate an ordinary ending into a moment of pure magic, providing a shimmering halo of sound that enhances the entire ensemble. This level of finesse in soft triangle playing is what separates a good percussionist from a great one.
The art of soft triangle playing is a testament to the fact that even the smallest details in music can have the greatest impact. By embracing techniques like the scrape, you move beyond simply playing notes and begin to sculpt sound, making informed musical decisions that elevate your performance and the entire ensemble. Continue to experiment, listen, and refine your approach. Your journey as a percussionist is one of endless discovery and expressive growth.
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