The Bodhran – The Heartbeat of Irish Folk Music
The Bodhran is a frame drum integral to Irish folk music, providing rhythm, depth, and energy to its tunes.
A goatskin or calf skin attached to a shallow circular wood shell. The lower head strikes all significant beats and rhythms using downward and return upward strokes, producing music.
The Bodhran
The Bodhran is at the core of Irish traditional music and can create complex rhythms which elevate any song – from folk ballads to full blown reels and jigs.
Origins are unclear, though speculation suggests it may have come about through skinned trays used for carrying peat and potatoes or from winnowing baskets used by Celtic druids prior to Christianity. Additionally, its similarities are found with frame drums from Mediterranean regions.
Sean O Riada and the revival of Irish traditional music during the 1960s can be credited with propelling the bodhran from ritual instrument to mainstream musical instrument status. It became a key feature in Ceoltoiri Chualann and The Chieftains bands; Irish percussionist Peadar Mercier took it even further by taking up playing alongside Johnny “Ringo” McDonagh, Tommy Hayes, Mel Mercier and John Joe Kelly who all set high standards of bodhran playing.
History
Although one of the oldest instruments in Irish music, the bodhran has only recently come into global focus. Consisting of a circular frame and stretched mammal skin covering one face – typically green wood is used for its frame while goatskin skin has traditionally been used on it; now artificial synthetic skins are often employed instead as more people pick up playing this drum! As more playing techniques have evolved for playing it successfully.
Up until the 1960s, it was predominantly used in Ireland as a ritual instrument, especially during La an Dreoilin or Day of the Wren, an ancient custom dating back to ancient Greece. Additionally, mumming musicians performed traditional songs and dance for house parties before dying out in mid 1900s but has recently seen a comeback.
Materials
The Bodhran (pronounced bow-rawn) is a frame drum consisting of a circular wooden frame fitted with either goatskin or synthetic drumhead, stretched across one side. To play it, players use a double-ended stick called a tipper or beater which they strike to produce various tones and sounds.
Traditional Bodhran tuning systems used tacks tacked to the frame; loosening or tightening these would allow tuning. Nowadays, professional Bodhrans utilize mechanical tuning systems similar to drum kits which can be adjusted using hex keys for precise tuning adjustments.
Steafan Hannigan, an accomplished percussionist, provides all the intricacies of traditional Bodhran playing in this softcover book that includes a CD containing demonstration tracks of every piece. Ideal for beginner musicians of any age and suitable for use as a reference source for further studies on traditional Bodhran playing techniques. A must have addition for any musician!
Techniques
Under the care of an accomplished bodhran player, this instrument can express a wide variety of musical emotions ranging from sobs and laughter to calls to action and martial tunes. Pressure variations on its underside produce different notes which, when applied appropriately can create effects such as galloping hooves or dancing steps.
Tunable bodhrans and the evolution of new playing techniques by Sean O Riada, Johnny Ringo McDonagh and Mel Mercier have helped transform a humble farm tool into one that forms the backbone of Irish traditional music.
These 13 lessons from the Online Academy of Irish Music will equip you to master playing bodhran rolls, accompany jigs and reels while simultaneously developing rhythm skills.
Music
An Irish drum, called a Bodhran, features a goatskin or synthetic drumhead stretched over a circular wooden frame, played using a double-ended stick known as a tipper or beater.
Bodhrans were typically played with one hand bared across its frame and featured jingles attached. Over time, sound quality improved and playing techniques became refined.
Innovative bodhran players like Peadar Mercier, Johnny “Ringo” McDonagh and John Joe Kelly have advanced the drum’s status into what it is today.
Modern bodhrans can be tuned internally, and their pitch can be changed internally as needed. Additionally, electrical tape covers the drum rim to reduce edge loading and dampen unwanted overtones while making the instrument much more durable. Bodhrans are versatile instruments used in many different musical genres and styles.
