What is the Bodhran?
The Bodhran is an Irish drum made up of a wooden hoop covered with goatskin. Players use a beater stick to play this instrument. Experienced Bodhran players can manipulate its sound by dampening different areas of its skin to alter its sound quality and manipulate its soundscape.
The drum first gained widespread recognition during the 1960s when Sean O Riada introduced it into Ceoltoiri Chualann ensemble, and has become an essential feature at Irish music sessions worldwide since.
Origin
The Bodhran is an Irish hand-held drum with centuries of history. From its inception as a musical and ritual instrument through to use during St Stephens Day traditions like hunting the Wren (La an Dreoilin), Bodhrans have traditionally played an essential part in these ceremonies. For example, Wren Boys, performing an annual tradition known as La an Dreoilin would traditionally play their Bodhrans during these ceremonies.
Sean O Riada and Peadar Mercier’s ensemble Ceoltoiri Chualann first brought modern bodhrans into concert-hall audiences’ awareness in the 1960s through their exploration of playing technique and style; expanding this humble percussion instrument’s musical vocabulary significantly.
Johnny “Ringo” McDonagh is widely acknowledged as one of the premier bodhran players of modern times. He pioneered several groundbreaking techniques which vastly increased playing vocabulary and cemented its place within traditional music. A member of De Danann and Arcady, as well as providing backing for premier solo acts like Eileen Ivers and Mary Bergin, Johnny was instrumental in developing a tunable bodhran as well as pioneering its use with brush style playing technique.
Construction
Pronounced “bow-rawn,” the bodhran is an easy-to-play instrument with a distinct sound that captures centuries of Celtic Ireland. Its design consists of a circular frame, drum head, and beater (tipper or cipin).
A damp skin is stretched loosely over a wooden shell heated in water and secured using nails, staples or glue. Care should be taken not to stretch it too tightly as that would produce weak tone quality; also enough slack should allow it to respond to changes in humidity levels.
Innovative bodhran-makers and players have taken great strides forward to elevate the quality and sound of the bodhran to new levels of excellence and sound. A variety of innovations has been implemented, such as internal tuning rings and electrical tape applied around the edge to reduce “edge loading” or unwanted overtones while protecting it from moisture damage. Another popular practice is lightly sanding its skin to reduce rasp from tipper beating on its face while simultaneously improving tone quality.
Sound
As a musical instrument, the bodhran has long been around. But until Sean O Riada introduced it as part of his Fleadh Cheoil radio show in the 1960s, it remained relatively unknown. Today it can be found prominently featured on Irish passports and dignitaries visiting Ireland are often given one to hold for photos when visiting Ireland.
A bodhran’s sound is created when goat skin stretched over a wooden frame is struck with a stick, producing sounds ranging from hard taps to soft ringing beats.
Modern bodhrans are typically tunable, which allows players to change pitch and tone quality by altering drumhead tension. This has revolutionized both making and playing of bodhrans. From boisterous pub sessions to serene countryside settings, the rhythmic heartbeat of the bodhran brings generations of Irish musicians together with listeners worldwide – its powerful hypnotic pulse encapsulating Ireland itself.
Playing
The Bodhran is one of Ireland’s most beloved musical instruments. Bodhrans carry centuries of Celtic heritage in their simple but profound design, while modern playing styles allow this instrument to unleash its full musical potential.
Traditional Bodhran was traditionally played by hand. Applying pressure from different directions with fingers of one (if right handed) hand altered pitch and sound characteristics; playing rhythmically independent of tune also created rhythmic accents which added intensity to drumming while accentuating music tempo.
Current practice dictates that bodhran is most frequently played with a stick called a “cipin.” This stick should match the length of one’s hand from thumb to outstretched baby finger; when both ends of this stick are held directly above head this style is known as Kerry or West Limerick style; otherwise it’s known as top-end style.
