Bodhran Ireland
Bodhrans are an integral component of Irish folk music, offering an unique sound which blends perfectly with both fast-paced dance tunes and emotive ballads.
Fintan Vallely’s book Beating Time provides an in-depth history of the bodhran. Beginning with European tambourines imported to Ireland via music trade and stage-show performances, copycat bodhrans produced in rural artisan sieve-makers and eventually adopted back into revived traditional Irish music are discussed.
Origin
Bodhrans have long been used in Ireland as musical and dance instruments. While their appearance is similar to drums found elsewhere, their use has increased drastically here due to musicians such as Sean O Riada and the Chieftains incorporating it into their performances.
The bodhran, or frame drum, can be found across many cultures worldwide and was first developed among Celts as part of their musical tradition; whether this influence had any direct bearing on its development is unknown; nonetheless it quickly became part of Irish mumming custom on December 26th; known as La an Dreoilin (The Day of the Wren).
Construction
Seamus Kearns has spent his career crafting bodhrans, and his shop in Roundstone near a picturesque beach and the Connemara mountains is widely considered one of the most picturesque shops in Ireland.
The Bodhran is believed to have evolved from an ordinary tool, such as a skin tray, that transformed itself into a musical instrument. Additionally, its closely related drums include tabor, tambourine and ghatam drums.
Irish Folk Revival in the mid-20th century elevated bodhrans from kitchen sessions to theatre and concert hall performances, where players developed sophisticated playing styles capable of producing deep bass tones as well as sharp slaps. Beaters were used to produce different tonal effects; additionally tension could be adjusted on drumheads for different rhythmic styles.
Techniques
A bodhran player can quickly create various moods with just the slight pressure of their hand on the underside of the drum. A subtle shift from urgent taps to melodious ringing beats can transform its sound, and even provoke sobs, laughter or even calls to action from its audience.
The Bodhran is an accompaniment instrument and its primary purpose is matching rhythms with those of the music being performed. To do this effectively requires learning the music as well as understanding it; an excellent bodhran player can bring music alive; an awful one will only annoy. To play well you should learn basic rhythm techniques as well as being able to accompany reels and jigs. Various online resources exist for beginners as well as experienced bodhran players.
Styles of playing
The bodhran is an Irish drum with many playing styles. Some players use the drum to provide melody while others take more of a rhythmic role – either way, its presence remains integral part of Irish music.
Traditional Bodhran drums were played manually; however, modern bodhrans often feature adjustable tuners in their wooden frames to enable players to fine-tune and adapt the instrument for various weather conditions.
To play a bodhran, first set it upright on your left leg (if you are right-handed). Hold the cipin, tipper or beater in your right hand like you would hold a pen or pencil; strike downward with its writing tip against goatskin head – this can be difficult for beginners to master!
Symbolism
Though its roots lie in Irish folk music, modern musicians have used it in genres far removed from its Irish-oriented origins. Thanks to innovations like tunable drumheads, modern musicians are adapting the instrument to new musical styles while its distinct sound continues to attract listeners worldwide.
Traditionalists would use only their hands when playing the bodhran, while today a stick known as a cipin is often employed. Cipins typically constructed of goatskin are sometimes employed. Calf and greyhound skin can also sometimes be utilized.
Bodhrans have long been associated with the Wren Boys, a group of men who perform folk music and dancing for local communities in exchange for food and drink. A symbolic bird representing St Stephen, these Wren Boys would traditionally use bodhrans during December 26th’s Hunting of the Wren.
