The Bodhran is an Essential Part of Traditional Irish Music
The Bodhran is an integral component of traditional Irish music. It adds rhythm, depth and energy to its soundscape.
Origins of the Bodhran are unknown; it may have developed from a frame drum or tambourine imported through trade relations into Ireland. There are various styles for playing it today.
Origin
The bodhran first made waves in Irish music around 1950 when Sean O’Riada of Ceoltoiri Chualann introduced it into traditional tunes as part of traditional music repertoire. Prior to that time it had primarily been used for ritual wren hunting on St Stephen’s Day and for agricultural work purposes.
What has caused this shift is unknown, though it could be related to Celtic beliefs that drumming announced arrival and drove away evil spirits. Bodhrans were only rarely depicted before 1833 by Daniel Maclise when painting Snapp-Apple Night house party in County Cork; one painting by him includes one.
Construction
The Bodhran is an Irish instrument consisting of a shallow circular frame upon which is stretched the skin of a goat (or sometimes another animal). Its similarity to a sieve used to separate grains from chaff lends credence to its being derived from farm instruments.
TCD MS 1435 contains its first reference to it; here it appears under tabor in transcription. As this word does not appear in standard Irish dictionaries or Jacob Pool’s list of non-standard words peculiar to Wexford County at that time, its lack of currency could suggest otherwise. Bodharfuaimneach was not first mentioned until 1828 – much later.
Sound
Mastering the bodhran takes years and comes in various styles. Once performed with just their bare hand, nowadays an instrument called a cipin is typically used; when both ends are above one’s head this style is known as Kerry style; otherwise only one end may remain above head; these styles of playing may differ significantly.
Sean O Riada and Peadar Mercier have transformed the bodhran from an instrument associated with ritual to one capable of modern musical composition, taking its use beyond ritual and folk traditions into modern usage. Johnny “Ringo” McDonagh and Tommy Hayes also share in this credit for taking it to new heights of innovation and musicality.
Techniques
The Bodhran is played using a stick called a cipin or tipper, which strikes its goatskin head. Although playing can also be done using hand movements and movements with sticks or hands, most commonly played is using sticks for this instrument. Mastering certain stick manoeuvres and hand movements is crucial in playing it well.
Recently, this drum has undergone rapid evolution in both design and playing style. Over this period it has come to prominence in Irish traditional music festivals and home billiard rooms worldwide as the mainstay instrument used alongside fiddles and pipes.
Styles
There are various styles used when creating the bodhran. From hand styles to using a stick, each style requires skill and precision when playing it – it takes many years of practice before one becomes adept with this instrument.
Historically, bodhrans were played using one’s bare hand; today however it is more commonly played using a stick known as a cipin; this allows the performer to dampen skin vibrations and create variations in tone and volume.
Some bodhran players cover their rim with electrical tape in order to reduce edge-loading and dampen unwanted overtones, which helps create more consistent sound production. Though not as prevalent nowadays, this technique can help create a more uniform tone quality overall.
Recording
Practice to popular Irish songs and tunes can be an effective way to elevate your bodhran playing. By paying close attention to their melody and rhythm, you can adjust your playing accordingly. Furthermore, try practicing using different rhythms and accents so as to develop your musicality.
Over time, various bodhran players have developed unique techniques and styles that have contributed to keeping this traditional Irish instrument relevant in modern Irish music. Furthermore, many have encouraged experimentation with bodhran making and tuning systems; Seamus O’Kane introduced thin Lambeg skins for producing higher and lower crisp notes on his bodhran.
