Universal Purpose Of The Bodhran
The bodhran is a musical instrument with a universal purpose. It is literally a skin tray and is very popular in the Celtic world like Brittany, Cornwall, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. This has been in existence and in use for more than a thousand years in so many ways. Bodhrans are suitable for winnowing and still being used for such purpose in some third world countries like India and Africa.
This musical instrument looks like a sieve to people who are not familiar with it. They see this type of drum as a simple skin tray. This musical instrument has multi-functions and can be a sieve when holes are punched in the skin. It has the appearance of a sifter for construction materials. As to its musical instrument category, this drum which is the favorite drum of the Irish people falls under the percussion type.
There are various sizes and designs of bodhrans. For inconvenience, most players opt for the smaller size since it is easier it is to bring along anywhere. The bodhran size ranges from 14" to 26" to suit to the preference of the player. Its sound is created by the use of the hand or by the tipper or both. For very fast rhythm and complex beat, the double-headed stick called as the "tipper" is used which is held in one hand.
The bodhrans are not only musical instruments but functional working tools as well. The name of this instrument is derived from the Irish word "bodhar" which means deaf. The name can also mean as "tray", "thundered", "deafening", and "dull-sounding". It is likewise referred to as the "frame drum" because of the manner it is made with the use of soft wood that can be easily bent and the use of animal skin for its frame cover. It also popularly known as the Irish or Celtic drum.
Unlike most drums, it has a soft sound and often makes an impression of dullness. Drums are usually associated with beating and loud sound but not this type. It has a deep sound and may be played in various styles that is from the traditional Irish beat to the modern rhythm and even in your own personal style. The tapping on the skin or rim as well as the movement of the hands will give you variations in sounds.
Most of these drums are used for purely religious or cultural festivals. But in countries like Ireland, Spain, France and the Basque country these are musical instruments which have become an integral part of entertainment. It is only, however, in Ireland that the bodhran has attained its high level of sophistication.
In Ireland, "The Wren Hunt" is a very popular cultural festival that uses bodhran. This is about wren hunting by groups of people with blackened faces wearing costumes. A parade of the captured bird from house to house will ensue with the playing of the frame drum while people are singing the ceremonial song.
The designs of this type of musical instrument feature the cross, animals and birds, spiral and knotwork. The spiral represents the past, present and future and has become the symbol of eternal life. It represents the continuity of life passing through the process of death and rebirth. All the symbols carry significant meanings which are also symbolisms adapted for rituals or ceremonies using the bodhran. - 18762
This musical instrument looks like a sieve to people who are not familiar with it. They see this type of drum as a simple skin tray. This musical instrument has multi-functions and can be a sieve when holes are punched in the skin. It has the appearance of a sifter for construction materials. As to its musical instrument category, this drum which is the favorite drum of the Irish people falls under the percussion type.
There are various sizes and designs of bodhrans. For inconvenience, most players opt for the smaller size since it is easier it is to bring along anywhere. The bodhran size ranges from 14" to 26" to suit to the preference of the player. Its sound is created by the use of the hand or by the tipper or both. For very fast rhythm and complex beat, the double-headed stick called as the "tipper" is used which is held in one hand.
The bodhrans are not only musical instruments but functional working tools as well. The name of this instrument is derived from the Irish word "bodhar" which means deaf. The name can also mean as "tray", "thundered", "deafening", and "dull-sounding". It is likewise referred to as the "frame drum" because of the manner it is made with the use of soft wood that can be easily bent and the use of animal skin for its frame cover. It also popularly known as the Irish or Celtic drum.
Unlike most drums, it has a soft sound and often makes an impression of dullness. Drums are usually associated with beating and loud sound but not this type. It has a deep sound and may be played in various styles that is from the traditional Irish beat to the modern rhythm and even in your own personal style. The tapping on the skin or rim as well as the movement of the hands will give you variations in sounds.
Most of these drums are used for purely religious or cultural festivals. But in countries like Ireland, Spain, France and the Basque country these are musical instruments which have become an integral part of entertainment. It is only, however, in Ireland that the bodhran has attained its high level of sophistication.
In Ireland, "The Wren Hunt" is a very popular cultural festival that uses bodhran. This is about wren hunting by groups of people with blackened faces wearing costumes. A parade of the captured bird from house to house will ensue with the playing of the frame drum while people are singing the ceremonial song.
The designs of this type of musical instrument feature the cross, animals and birds, spiral and knotwork. The spiral represents the past, present and future and has become the symbol of eternal life. It represents the continuity of life passing through the process of death and rebirth. All the symbols carry significant meanings which are also symbolisms adapted for rituals or ceremonies using the bodhran. - 18762
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If you want to listen and feel the beat of ethnic musical instruments, you shuold try bodhran. It has a distinct sound that creates music to hear. Or you may want to try alexandria doumbek.
posted by X - Men at
4:49 AM
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