Bodhrán

A Bodhrán ( [ bɔ ː rɑ ː n] or [ baʊrɑ ː n]) is an Irish frame drum.

Their diameter ranges from 20 cm in very small specimens up to 50 cm for very large specimens. The frame is equipped with a fur (often goat skin ) covered and reinforced if necessary by a cross. For the players, gambling is a matter of taste, with or without a cross. Originally, the cross should increase the stability of the drum, since the frame could potentially yield under the head tension. So a "good" Bodhrán requires the cross not necessarily. Modern Bodhráns have a mechanical tuning system, with which it is made possible to the player, either to produce a rather dull, bassy sound ( loose skin ) or a brighter sound ( taut skin ).

History

The origin of the name " bodhrán " and its history can be reconstructed better now than even a few years, even if not all questions are answered. The name comes from the Irish word from bodhar, which can numb, dull, numb or dull mean. The word Bodharaí represents a hollow sound, the sound of a drum and so on. From the word bodhar since the Middle Ages leads the way, the Engl. Word "to bother" from. Bodhar is no longer in use today. The earliest evidence of a use of the word bhodhrán goes back to a font from the 15th century, a medical instructions, in which a bloated stomach with the sound of a drum ( bhodhrán ) is described. Even in old encyclopedias entries shows that the word was already in use before Bodhran 1827. On pictures of an Irish painter ( Maclise ) that are created around 1850, one sees a frame drum, in which the player's left hand touching the fur inside and seems to perform the right the typical movement. An origin of the word tambourine " Tambourine " is unlikely.

The frame drums may have come on early trade routes to Ireland. Frame drums are represented worldwide and have possibly developed from seven as they were used in early prehistoric agriculture. As shown by further research, Kerry found themselves in some areas as early as the 20s of last century, some Bodhranhersteller who built at that time not only for the local musician, but even for tourists, the bodhrán was so was already a popular souvenir. A first shot is known from 1927, at least you're hearing the flute and drum, whether it is a bodhrán with bells or a tambourine, is not known. The popularity of the bodhrán has been increasing since the 1950s and 1960s by bands like The Chieftains, Planxty and Stockton 's Wing steadily. Despite its Irish origin, the bodhrán delighted with respect to Celtic music, particularly in Scotland and Newfoundland growing popularity.

Playing techniques

Normally, the bodhrán is played sitting down, and it has been on the thigh of the player. The right hand with his left hand touches the inside of the coat and can thus by pressure and various hand positions vary the pitch or effect of damping effects. With the right hand, the bodhrán with a wooden mallet, the " Tipper ", " beater" or " Stick" played.

A distinction is made between the blows " upstroke " and "Down Stroke " also " premium " and " discount". The prediction is moved in a rotary movement across the skin; to " ornaments " to install, you can also run a double whammy, in which the downstroke and the upper part of the tipper fur touches (roll or triplet) and thus produces the distinctive sound of the bodhran.

Apart from the playing style of each player varies in detail a little. Thus, for example, speaks of

• Kerry - style, in which the prediction between the thumb, forefinger and middle finger (or thumb, middle and ring fingers ) like a pen is held. In addition, this style describes a somewhat more concentrating on mere rhythm of play than, say, the

• Top -end style. This refers to the attachment point of the stick, which is not located in this style as the other more below, or in the center of the head, but above. In addition, there is an almost vertical stick attitude here. In general, this style allows for a more melodic style of play with a high range.

Frequently, however, occur also mixed forms of techniques.

Famous bodhrán player

Johnny ' Ringo ' McDonagh, Colm Murphy, Jim Sutherland, Tommy Hayes, Seamus O'Kane, Mel Mercier, Junior Davey, Frank Torpey, Eamon Murray, John Joe Kelly, Svend Kjeldsen, Caroline Corr, James McNally, Dave King.

German bodhrán player

German bodhrán player include Klaus Gehrmann, Esther Kuck, Guido Plüschke, Andreas Schneider, Thórralf shoe, Rolf Wagels and Stefan Klug

Bodhránbauer

Albert Alfonso, Metloef (both from the U.S.), Charlie Byrne, Seamus O'Kane, Darius Bartlett, Malachy Kearns (both from Ireland), David Gormlie (Scotland ), Norbert Eckermann ( Austria ), Brendan White ( Holland ), Christian Hedwitschak Ralf Siepmann, David Roman Drums (both from Germany ).

Painted Bodhrán for decorative purposes

First one - point tuning system of Seamus O'Kane

Inside of a Brendan White bodhrán

Standard tuning system of a bodhrán from Pakistan

Tool less tuning system of a Bodhrán by Christian Hedwitschak

Bodhrán Beater ( Beater, Cipin, stick, ... )

Bodhrán Beater for modern playing styles ( Hot Rods, Sticks, Tipper )