The Irish Bodhran
A bodhran is an authentic Irish drum used by Wren Boys musicians on St Stephen’s Day to mark this holiday.
Irish percussionist Peadar Mercier first brought the bodhran into mainstream musical consciousness. Since then, other talented players such as John Joe Kelly (of Flook and Mike McGoldrick bands) have taken this Irish drum to breathtaking new heights, pushing beyond traditional music’s bounds.
Origins
A bodhran is a frame drum with a circular skin (typically goat skin), designed to be played either with sticks or by hand and sometimes featuring jingles around its rim like modern tambourines.
Over the past seventy years or so, the modern bodhran has experienced rapid transformation. First introduced to public attention through Sean O Riada playing it in concert halls and his ensemble Ceoltoiri Chualann; more recently by players like Peadar Mercier, Johnny “Ringo” McDonagh and John Joe Kelly who continue to impress audiences today with their skill and musicianship.
It’s a captivating instrument, both traditional and innovative, yet its exact origin remains unclear. There have been various theories as to where its roots may lie – possibly Africa or brought over with Celts.
Construction
A bodhran is a frame drum found worldwide; however, Irish versions stand out due to their distinct playing style and construction.
The term bodhran originates in Irish Gaelic as bohar, meaning deaf or dull sound. Some believe its history to stem from tambourines while others contend it has evolved from agricultural devices for winnowing grain.
Wood is bent into a shallow cylinder shape and covered with goatskin for covering. A wood strip with ends crisscrossing inside provides a handle to hit the head with; nails or staples may be used, although glueing is usually preferred; dampness must remain to create good tone while not too much moisture evaporates as drying takes place; both must remain intact for optimal tone to develop and remain sound after being placed back onto a drum head.
Techniques
A bodhran is an Irish drum made from stretched goat or calf skin on a wooden frame. It can be played either barehanded by its performer, or using a “tipper” held in their right hand like holding a pencil.
Striking a drum with the heel of one’s hand produces loud, clear beats while tapping its flat palm produces softer sounds. Finger techniques range from gentle taps and slides all the way up to hard rapping for creating various tones on this instrument.
The bodhran is used as an accompaniment to Irish music. To play effectively with Irish tunes, it is crucial that you learn and adapt your rhythms accordingly. This softcover book with CD provides all aspects of bodhran technique in an accessible fashion.
Music
Evidence indicates bodhrans have been used since 1927; however, their use did not become widespread until the Irish folk revival of the 1960s. At this time bodhrans with jingles became prevalent and may have even been played alongside dance music for accompaniment purposes.
Over time, the Bodhran has undergone considerable change both sonically and technically. Players such as Peadar Mercier and Johnny “Ringo” McDonagh have innovated two-hand playing styles which have vastly increased its versatility.
Today, the bodhran has become one of the world’s most widely recognized drums, used in many genres from Celtic dance to modern pop and rock music – played both professionally as well as amateurishly by beginners and professionals alike.
Styles
Over time, various techniques for playing the bodhran have evolved over time. Some players strike the rim with their right hand’s knuckles while others use either a wooden beater (cipin or tipper) or even fingertip to strike it. Kerry style or West Limerick style bodhran playing has also emerged over time.
Even though many bodhran players have their own distinctive way of playing the instrument, there are certain virtuoso masters who have distinguished themselves in Irish traditional music. One such master is John Joe Kelly who has brought new energy and excitement to playing bodhrans and inspired an entire generation of newcomers to take up this instrument.
Eamonn Murray is an esteemed bodhran player known for collaborating with musical titans such as Ed Sheeran. Additionally, this artist has performed alongside top musicians both locally and abroad.
