The Bodhran is The Unofficial Drum of Ireland

River Dance soundtrack was playing in my ears when I was just recently. I find the music’s lack of lyrics makes it easy to listen to while I write. I’ve listened many times to the music and was still struck by something: the presence and importance drums have in the music. Perhaps it was because of the overwhelming sound of percussion created by all those clogs that I hadn’t noticed before. If it weren’t the drums and the rhythm that they create, those Irish dancers might not be able locate the beat. That made me wonder how strong a tradition drumming has in Ireland.

The Bodhran drums holds a significant market share in Irish drums. This instrument’s story is interestingly short, especially when compared with drums in other areas of the globe. The first written record of the use of the Bodhran dates back to 1603 when it was used in rebellion against the English. The bodhran served as a weapon of war like the taikodrums in Japan. It allowed both pipers, and warriors to maintain a proper marching pace. The instrument remained in the hands of noisemakers and warfare for the next four centuries. This must have proved to be an effective tool. It was no longer used to make music until recent times.

Traditional Irish music saw a revival in popularity during the 1960s. This trend was largely due the influence of Sean O Riada who was an Irish bandleader and composer whose compositions helped to establish Irish music’s international fame. Riada’s use of the Bodhran in his music was instrumental in establishing the drum as an instrument of musical merit. Although the drum is more popular in Scotland and Northern Europe than it is on its home turf of Ireland, it has gained some popularity.

Bodhrans refer to drums whose dimensions are greater than their depth. While it can have a diameter of 10 to 26 inches, most are around 14 to 18 inches. The depth can vary between 3.5 and 8 inches. The instrument has an open top and a drumhead at the bottom. It is traditionally made out of the skin from a goat. As with many modern versions, 21st century drumheads are made of synthetic materials. The drumhead has one side that is open. Artists can position their hands against the drumhead to adjust pitch and timbre.

Bodhrans are best played in a seated, prone position. The artist holds the drum vertically to his thigh and supports him with his other hand and upper body. The tension control can be achieved by placing the second hand inside of the drum. These drums can be played without a stick, but you may also use a traditional drumstick. You can call this a bone, tipper, beater, or cipin. Brushes are also used by some artists, though this is still very new. There are many accepted styles and these are continually evolving.