Generally speaking, a bodhrán is a frame drum, which is commonly used in Irish music. The diameter of the drum is usually 35 to 45 cm, and the sides of the drum are 9 to 20 cm deep.
Origins
Whether you call it a bodhran, drum, or bourine, this ancient instrument has an illustrious history. Originally, it was used by Irish warriors during battles. In recent years, it has become popular for dancing.
Bodhrans are often made of goat skin. However, they can also be made of horse or dog skin. They are often hung above a fireplace.
There is much debate over how the origins of the Bodhran came about. Some claim it originated in Central Asia, while others claim it came from North Africa. Regardless, it has a history that predates Christianity.
Bodhrans were used in ancient rituals, such as hunting wrens. The wren is an evil bird and has been associated with treachery. The wren was also a symbol of wrath. In fact, the wren is believed to have betrayed Irish soldiers during Viking raids. The wren has been a feared bird, and is often depicted as a “rat-a-tat-tat” on the head of the drum.
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Styles of playing
Traditionally, the bodhran was a shallow-framed drum with a crossbar in the back. The drum was supported with one hand from below. However, modern bodhrans are usually a much smaller diameter and feature no crossbars.
Bodhran playing is known for its versatility, with the player producing a variety of sounds and rhythms. Players use a beater, stick, or cipin, depending on the style. The right hand usually beats the bodhran, while the left hand spreads across the skin to modulate the pitch.
The top end style of bodhran playing involves striking the outer edge of the drum head. The bottom end style is similar, but involves striking the bottom end of the instrument.
Traditional bodhran players also have the ability to play certain rhythms with their hands, but they have found that the stick works well for some rhythms. Some players also prefer to leave their left hand off of the skin. This allows for a deep ringing bass.
Place in Irish music
Throughout the years, bodhran has been in and out of popularity. It first appeared in Irish traditional music in the early twentieth century. Then it took center stage in the 1960s. Today, it has become an internationally recognized instrument.
The bodhran is a frame drum, sometimes called a tambourine. It is played with a beater and a bare hand. The diameter of a bodhran drum can range from 25 cm to 65 cm. The depth of the sides is usually 10 cm. A professional modern bodhran will have a mechanical tuning system, similar to a drum kit.
The bodhran is similar to musical instruments used in Mediterranean and Arabic music. A professional bodhran may have removable crossbars. It may also have metal jingles on the rims.
During the twentieth century, bodhran was used in rituals. It was also used in battle. It was used to create a trans-inducing beat and strike fear into an enemy.
The word bodhran is derived from the Irish word bodhar, which means “skin tray”. A skin tray was used in Ireland to carry peat.