Origin of the Bodhran
There are various theories as to the origins of the bodhran, yet one thing remains certain – it lay dormant outside musical performance for quite some time.
The Bodhran is a round frame drum approximately one foot in diameter with one skin stretched over it, designed for musical performances in traditional Irish culture. Usually played while sitting, with the instrument resting against one’s thigh while its performer hits its surface using a stick called a Cipin to produce sound.
Origins
A bodhran is a flat drum similar to a large tambourine without its bells or jingles, made up of goatskin stretched over an open frame made of wood or metal.
Although its precise origin remains unknown, this drum has long been used as an instrument of noisemaking and primitive rhythm for centuries. It may have come to Ireland with Celtic migrants who used it in winnowing rituals similar to others around the globe.
Irish percussionist Sean O’Riada introduced the Bodhran back into circulation during the 1950s by using a beater known as a Cipin to play it instead of traditional hand playing methods. Since then, many other drummers have taken this instrument to new levels of performance; making it now an integral part of Irish music as well as being performed across other genres worldwide.
Construction
Traditional Bodhrans were composed of stretched goat skin over a circular frame, but modern Bodhrans can now boast sophisticated tuning systems to control the quality of sound output.
Bodhrans are often equipped with taped rims to reduce “edge-loading” and dampen unwanted overtones, and thus lessen edge-loading and unfavorable overtones.
Remember that bodhran playing is simply an accompaniment to music – not an instrument itself! Bodhran players should never overshadow melody players; melodic players may not like it but that just goes back to how different musical universes work!
Sound
A quality bodhran should produce a deep, soothing sound. To achieve this goal, the skins used on these instruments must be hand-cured, hand stretched, and treated without chemicals – goatskin is commonly chosen by players; however calf, kangaroo, and deer skin can be utilized too.
The bodhran can be played with either drumsticks or one’s bare hands, and most often rests on one leg (usually left for right-handed players). A beater strikes its surface; either directly above your head (Kerry style), or only one end is held above it (top-end style).
The Bodhran has long been the subject of much discussion and debate; however, few academic studies have been undertaken on its history and usage. This work seeks to address this gap by exploring received wisdom on this instrument.
Techniques
As the bodhran has evolved as an instrument, its playing techniques have changed accordingly. Today it is typically played by resting it on one leg (right-handed players typically rest it on their left thigh), striking with its specially made wooden beater stick and generally practicing Kerry/West Limerick style or top-end style playing techniques.
Bodhran makers now often cover the rim of their drum with electrical tape to reduce edge loading and dampen overtones that may be affected by atmospheric conditions and tuning. This also allows thinner instruments than in previous decades to be produced.
Steafan Hannigan is an accomplished percussionist who shares her knowledge on traditional Bodhran playing through this softcover book and CD set. All pieces and exercises played by Hannigan himself are also demonstrated here.
Equipment
A bodhran is a simple single-skin frame drum with either goatskin (though synthetic heads may also be used) or synthetic heads on its top, typically struck using either one’s hands or with an Irish wooden beater stick.
By touching different spots on the head with various touches of skin, a bodhran can produce an impressive array of sounds ranging from sharp urgent taps to melodious ringing beats. This versatility sets it apart from other rhythm instruments. Natural skin needs nourishment to stay supple; applying dubbin or neatsfoot oil every three or four months will help maintain it and protect its sound quality.
