The Bodhran – The Heartbeat of Traditional Irish Music
The Bodhran is an Irish musical instrument that bridges past traditions with contemporary creativity. From keeping traditional Irish tunes alive to adding groove to session beats, the bodhran has always been an integral part of Irish culture and heritage.
Sean O Riada has long been recognized as being instrumental in placing the bodhran at the core of Irish folk music and traditional sessions.
Origins
It can be challenging to trace the exact origins of the bodhran. Some believe it stems from an ancient Celtic war drum predating Christianity; others consider it to be used shamanically as part of ritual processes similar to tambourines.
No matter its original purpose, the Bodhran became an immensely popular instrument during the Folk Revival in the 1950s and 1960s. Bodhran players were key components of Irish mumming traditions like La an Dreoilin (The Day of the Wren) as well as other seasonal festivities.
Popularity of the Bodhran led to more complex playing techniques being employed by professional bodhran players like Sonny Davey from Sligo, Peadar Mercier from Chieftains and Johnny ‘Ringo’ McDonagh who all developed unique styles of their own.
Functions
Once used as a simple farm implement, the bodhran has since evolved into an intricate musical instrument. Its distinctive tone has caught the attention of musicians worldwide and been integrated into contemporary genres far removed from its Irish origins.
Within traditional Irish music, the bodhran provides rhythm that supports traditional melodies. It pairs beautifully with fast reels and jigs as well as soulful ballads.
As such, it has long been the backbone of Irish folk music sessions and modern sessions rarely take place without a bodhran player providing rhythm. Some notable bodhran players include Tommy Hayes, Christy Moore, Planxty and Stockton’s Wing as examples of notable players.
Styles
Over the centuries, various styles of bodhran have developed over time due to its transformation from being used for war and noise into an integral musical instrument for Irish folk music as well as other modern genres.
Young musicians seeking their start in music should choose a shallow rim non-tunable bodhran as it allows more fluid beats and quicker progression toward advanced techniques.
Mel Mercier (left) is an internationally acclaimed bodhran player and percussionist known for his love of all forms of music and culture, from African, Indian and Indonesian rhythms on his bodhran to traditional Irish techniques he creates a sound all his own.
Techniques
A bodhran is at the core of traditional Irish music. Its rich tones create an emotive rhythm which engages listeners during both casual sessions and formal performances alike.
As bodhran playing techniques have advanced, so too has its ability to go beyond its traditional role. Its distinctive sound has drawn musicians across genres like rock and global fusion.
For optimal bodhran playing, it is crucial that the musician understand the tune they’re playing as well as any associated musical notes being used. A player who walks into a session and begins beating away without listening can cause harm both for themselves, their fellow musicians, and audience members alike.
Equipment
The bodhran has long been an essential element in Irish folk music and more modern genres alike. Used by top musicians worldwide and still captivating audiences today, its sound continues to draw listeners in.
To play, the most traditional technique is using one’s bare hand; however, an instrument called a “cipin” may also be utilized; its length and weight should correspond with that of the performer’s hand for maximum flexibility and performance.
Electrical tape is often applied to the drum rim to reduce edge-loading and dampen unwanted overtones, while some professional bodhrans feature mechanical tuning systems enabling tightening or loosening of skin using screws – an innovation pioneered by drummers such as Tommy Hayes who played with Riverdance and Stockton’s Wing.
