The Bodhran – The Irish Drum
Sean O Riada played a significant role in elevating the bodhran to its current prominence within Irish musical culture during the 1960s with his introduction of it into Ceoltoiri Chualann band.
The bodhran has long been linked with St. Stephen’s Day tradition of hunting wrens – perhaps an ongoing remnant of pagan sacrifice of this particular bird?
Origins
The Bodhran is at the core of Irish music and dance, spreading the sounds of Ireland around the world. Ramin Djawadi’s scores for Game of Thrones and Riverdance utilize this instrument as part of their music compositions to add a primal energy that fits with themes related to Celtic cultures or epic battles.
The origins of the bodhran remain elusive. One theory suggests it evolved from an instrument used for winnowing wheat or storing peat. Additionally, some may see similarities with tambourines.
Bodhrans are traditionally played using a beater known as a tipper, cipin or beater stick that is used to tap rhythmically on the surface of the drum. A master bodhran player can produce subtle taps that whisper melodies or forceful beats that command attention; all adding to the rhythm and melody of music being performed.
Materials
Traditional bodhrans were typically constructed by stretching goat skin across a circular wooden frame and tacking or gluing it to keep its position. Today’s more sophisticated musical instruments offer additional tuning systems to control sound quality.
The frame of a drum is typically constructed using hardwoods like ash or oak for its rich tone and durable construction, while tensioned skin models with hardware installed onto their frame allow the user to alter its pitch and timbre accordingly.
The sound of the bodhran is created by striking its drumhead with a beater (known as a “cipin”), which comes in various designs to accommodate various playing techniques and rhythmic textures. Many bodhran players also employ brushes and their hands in creating different sounds from this instrument.
Techniques
For beginners to play effectively on a bodhran requires hand-eye coordination and rhythm. They should begin sitting, concentrating on repeating two basic strokes up and down with relaxed wrist and elbow movement only.
The frame, usually constructed of hardwoods such as ash or oak, dictates an instrument’s tone; denser woods produce richer sounds. The drumhead traditionally composed of goat skin but now made with synthetic materials or even carbon fiber can affect pitch and timbre; for tunable models its tension can also influence this characteristic.
Peadar Mercier of The Chieftains, Johnny “Ringo” McDonagh from Planxty and John Joe Kelly from De Dannan are just three notable bodhran players who have developed techniques that enhance the sound of their instrument by employing high-tonal variations and including rhythms from other musical genres in their playing techniques.
Styles
There are various styles of bodhran playing that suit different genres and musical contexts. Expert players employing jig stroke technique can produce lively rhythmic phrases while reel stroke techniques create a more complex feel. Advanced players can further manipulate their tone by altering strike depth and angle to produce different tones on their bodhrans.
The frame, typically constructed of woods like ash or oak, plays an integral part in setting the tone of a drum. Modern bodhrans may also include synthetic skins that provide more stable performance across changing climate conditions, while tension-adjustable hardware on the frame enables users to tune pitch and timbre adjustments; edge insulation tape protects drum heads to minimize unwanted tones produced by atmospheric conditions.
Recordings
Traditionally, drums are held by performers using only their bare hand and controlled with pressure on the skin surface of the drumhead. When performed by skilled performers, these drums can produce an array of sounds ranging from urgent beats to melodious ringing beats; more pressure applied can produce anything from sobs to martial summonses.
Since Sean O Riada reintroduced this Irish drum, master players such as Peadar Mercier from The Chieftains, Christy Moore of Planxty and Tommy Hayes from Stockton’s Wing as well as Johnny “Ringo” McDonagh have taken it to new heights. These musicians pioneered advanced playing techniques which expand rhythm and depth.
