Bodhrán Drum Xray.
The bodhrán is one of Ireland's oldest traditional musical instruments.
The bodhrán is the iconic Irish drum, one of a small select family of Celtic instruments that is stated to pre-date Christianity.
Ireland has a deep-rooted and rich musical heritage we are very familiar with. But how much do we really know about this distinctive Irish drum?
Despite existing for thousands of years, the first early appearances of the bodhrán drum were featured in paintings from the early nineteenth century, whilst in contemporary culture, the earliest recordings began to appear on the music scene in the 1960s.
The name bodhrán comes from Gaelic and is believed to translate to the words 'skin tray'. This is probably accurate, given the Celtic instruments' use in its earliest incarnations.
History of the Bodhrán
The first mentions and uses of the bodhrán drum make it clear that the bodhrán was a tool first, musical instrument second. Originally a flat wide vessel, the bodhrán has been used to carry peat.
It has also been cited as being a winnowing basket in its original purpose. Winnowing is what is done to wheat to separate out the hard, spikey coverings from the soft kernels. Winnowing baskets and peat carriers were useful tools found in most houses at the time, and it is believed that people discovered that these tools made a pleasant sound when turned over and tapped!
The traditional bodhrán in Ireland was not so much a musical instrument for pleasure and entertainment but instead, it was used as a tool in certain rituals and holy days.
Throughout history, the bodhrán was employed by Irish clans as a battle drum in attempts to strike fear in the hearts of enemies. The drum was likely used to provide a steady rhythm for Celtic warriors to march to.
It was only in the 1960s that the bodhrán drum began to emerge on the music scene. Sean Ó Riada popularised the bodhrán drum in his exploration of his musical culture and background. Ó Riada's work led to a resurgence for the bodhrán as a piece of Irish musical heritage. This has led to the famous saying that “the bodhrán is an old drum but a new musical instrument."
Bodhrán Drum Xray.
The bodhrán is one of Ireland's oldest traditional musical instruments.
The bodhrán is the iconic Irish drum, one of a small select family of Celtic instruments that is stated to pre-date Christianity.
Ireland has a deep-rooted and rich musical heritage we are very familiar with. But how much do we really know about this distinctive Irish drum?
Despite existing for thousands of years, the first early appearances of the bodhrán drum were featured in paintings from the early nineteenth century, whilst in contemporary culture, the earliest recordings began to appear on the music scene in the 1960s.
The name bodhrán comes from Gaelic and is believed to translate to the words 'skin tray'. This is probably accurate, given the Celtic instruments' use in its earliest incarnations.
History of the Bodhrán
The first mentions and uses of the bodhrán drum make it clear that the bodhrán was a tool first, musical instrument second. Originally a flat wide vessel, the bodhrán has been used to carry peat.
It has also been cited as being a winnowing basket in its original purpose. Winnowing is what is done to wheat to separate out the hard, spikey coverings from the soft kernels. Winnowing baskets and peat carriers were useful tools found in most houses at the time, and it is believed that people discovered that these tools made a pleasant sound when turned over and tapped!
The traditional bodhrán in Ireland was not so much a musical instrument for pleasure and entertainment but instead, it was used as a tool in certain rituals and holy days.
Throughout history, the bodhrán was employed by Irish clans as a battle drum in attempts to strike fear in the hearts of enemies. The drum was likely used to provide a steady rhythm for Celtic warriors to march to.
It was only in the 1960s that the bodhrán drum began to emerge on the music scene. Sean Ó Riada popularised the bodhrán drum in his exploration of his musical culture and background. Ó Riada's work led to a resurgence for the bodhrán as a piece of Irish musical heritage. This has led to the famous saying that “the bodhrán is an old drum but a new musical instrument."