After Irish musician Sean O Riada introduced it into Ceoltoiri Chualann group, the bodhran became an instrument with mainstream appeal – as opposed to being just used as farm equipment prior to that point.

Some professional bodhrans feature adjustable tuning systems similar to those found on drum kits, helping counteract changes in skin tension caused by atmospheric conditions.

Origins

It is widely recognized that the bodhran is an ancient Irish instrument. However, its appearance was only noticed during the mid 1900s, and soon gained incredible acclaim.

While no proof has ever been produced to prove the existence of ancient bodhrans, there is evidence from museum objects and other sources pointing towards its usage during La an Droilin (the ritual for killing and burying winter birds like the wren).

James O’Kane of Bunanadden in Donegal introduced the modern goatskin bodhran for commercial production by employing thin Lambeg skins that produced crisp high and low notes that enabled him to play various styles from rock beats to traditional sessions accompaniments.

The bodhran experienced explosive growth throughout the 1960s and 70s, thanks to Sean O Riada’s ensemble Ceoltoiri Chualann. Peadar Mercier and Tommy Hayes took it further; today it can be found anywhere from concert halls to pubs worldwide.

Construction

The bodhran is a shallow drum covered with goatskin that has an open end. After two days soaking, its skin is loosely stretched over its wooden frame for stretching; the frame may then be attached via nails, staples or glue but glue provides the strongest hold and finish. Tuning can be achieved using an internal tone ring driven against its skin to tighten or loosen tension as needed; its playing techniques continue to develop over time. The instrument’s design and development is constantly being refined as its makers seek new techniques of making and playing techniques in play today.

The bodhran first gained recognition during the 1950s revival of Irish traditional music. Sean O Riada’s Ceoltoiri Chualann ensemble elevated it to its current place among other instruments like fiddle and tin whistle in Irish folk music. More recently, new generations such as Peadar Mercier (and son Mel Mercier), Tommy Hayes and Johny Ringo McDonagh have continued pushing boundaries of bodhran making and playing styles.

Tone

Modern bodhran makers have adopted mechanical tuning systems similar to those found on drum kits into bodhran production, featuring an internal tone ring which can be tightened or loosened using screws, which greatly decreases atmospheric conditions’ impact on skin tension.

This innovation has expanded the versatility of bodhrans and enabled different playing styles to flourish. Furthermore, it has spurred on the use of thinner Lambeg skins, providing higher and lower notes with crisp notes.

The Bodhran is now an internationally popular instrument, thanks to virtuoso players such as Robin Morton of The Boys of the Lough, Peadar Mercier from The Chieftains, Christy Moore from Planxty and Johnny “Ringo” McDonagh – to name just a few! The instrument plays an integral part of Irish culture, especially during La an Dreoilin celebrations on December 26th that commemorate the Christian legend where St. Stephen was betrayed by warbling warblers!

Playing

Ireland has long employed various kinds of drums – played either with hands or sticks – but one drum stands out: the bodhran. While its playing style has evolved over time, its structure remains constant as does its sound.

The Bodhran is one of the signature instruments of Irish traditional music resurgence of the 1960s and today is an integral component of concert halls and pubs around the globe. Renowned bodhran players including Sean O Riada, Peadar Mercier, Christy Moore of Planxty’s Christy Moore (Planxty), Tommy Hayes, Johnny “Ringo” McDonagh have all pioneered new techniques on it.

No matter whether your goal is to learn basic strokes, accompany jigs and reels or advance to more intricate patterns, this tutor will get you started on your bare-hand technique before introducing various stick styles. From there on out, as soon as you master changing tone to accompany a tune you’ll be on your way to becoming a bodhran master and understanding and appreciating all that this amazing drum offers!

Please follow and like us: