One of the best-known Irish music instruments is the bodhran. Although not the oldest instrument, its popularity rose significantly with the revival of Irish traditional music during the 1960s.

Dance tunes – particularly reels and jigs – offer many opportunities for the bodhran player.

Origin

An internet search will reveal many and varied opinions as to the origins of Irish drum, the Bodhran. Most agree it was brought over from Persia as winnowing equipment used to separate seeds – this fits in well with its usage during agricultural rituals such as Wren hunting or musical seisuns.

Sean O’Riada reintroduced the bodhran into music sessions in the 1950s, and its popularity quickly skyrocketed. Legendary players such as Robin Morton of The Boys of the Lough, Peadar Mercier from The Chieftains and Planxty’s Christy Moore from Planxty along with Johnny “Ringo” McDonagh of De Dannan propelled its playing to new heights.

There are two techniques widely accepted for playing the bodhran: either placing both ends of the beater directly over your head, or holding one end at its top-end – such as in Kerry and West Limerick styles.

Sound

The bodhran is an instrument that can be played both with hands or sticks; there are three hand styles and five stick styles.

Hands held lightly against the underside of skin can create an array of sounds ranging from sharp urgent taps to melodious ringing beats. Pressure changes on this surface also alter both its timbre and pitch.

Today’s bodhran players such as Kevin Conneff of The Chieftains and Flook’s John Joe Kelly of Flook are widely-acclaimed. Both players are widely recognized for developing innovative playing techniques and contributing significantly to Irish music. Drummers often cover the rim with tape to reduce “edge loading” and dampen unwanted overtones for greater control of sound output.

Techniques

As with any musical instrument, the sound produced from playing a bodhran depends heavily on how its player uses and holds their instrument. A hand usually rests flat against the drum to dampen sound production while changing angles between hand and drum can change pitch levels significantly.

Skillful players of the drum can use it to express a wide variety of emotions – from sharp urgent taps to melodious ringing beats – using its wide array of tones and rhythms. Bodhran players may add to this by ornamenting or accompanying tunes as needed.

Bodhran players should not attempt to drive the beat like drummers or play solo; rather they should complement the music by matching its beat, embellishing it and following its melody. Bodhrans also play an integral part in Irish traditional dance and folk music accompaniment.

Styles

There are various techniques you can employ to enhance the sound of a bodhran, including applying pressure with one’s hand to alter its timbre and pitch; occasionally hitting rhythmic accent rim shots; using brushes; and performing advanced rolls and triplets.

Glen Velez and Peadar Mercier made the bodhran more widely used in Irish traditional music during the early 1960s through their exploration and mastery of this instrument, propelling its development and expansion to where it stands today.

The McNeela Classic Performance Bodhran offers an accessible and quality instrument to experience the next level of bodhran playing. Featuring a manageable shell depth and T-shaped crossbar for pitch bending, this drum is suitable for those just starting out or expanding their repertoire of bodhran music.

Musicians

Many musicians have successfully integrated the bodhran into their musical styles; Peadar Mercier of the Chieftains, Christy Moore from Planxty and Johnny “Ringo” McDonagh of De Dannan as well as Tommy Hayes from Stockton’s Wing have all developed playing techniques on it.

Eamonn Murray, Bodhranist for Beoga has taken an innovative approach to his playing and musical collaborations. By exploring percussion styles from different cultures, Eamonn has found his own signature bodhran style.

Aimee Farrell Courtney has emerged as an emerging star among Irish bodhran players. She has won multiple awards and accolades and toured with Donal Lunny and Danu. Aimee studied music at TUDublin Conservatory of Music where she won World Bodhran Championship 2010. Additionally, Aimee has competed successfully in multiple competitions around the globe and been named World Bodhran Champion 2010.

Please follow and like us: