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.
Bodhrans come in various sizes and designs. Most players prefer the smaller size for it is easier it is to carry along. The size of the bodhran ranges from fourteen to twenty-six inches to suit to the player's preference. Sound is produced by the use of the hand or by the tipper. The tipper, which is a double-headed stick, is held in one hand and often used for very fast and complex beats.
The name bodhran comes from the Irish word "bodhar" meaning deaf. It also known as the Irish or Celtic drum. The name can also mean as "tray", "thundered", "deafening", and "dull-sounding". It is otherwise known as a "frame drum" because of the way is created using soft wood that can be easily bent and animal skin as its frame cover. Bodhrans are functional as a working tool and a musical instrument at the same time.
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.
In the Basque country and other countries like Ireland, Spain, France the bodhran has become an integral part of their musical entertainment. But it is only in Ireland that this musical instrument has gained its high degree of sophistication. In most instances, this drum is used for purely religious and cultural festivals.
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. - 18780
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.
Bodhrans come in various sizes and designs. Most players prefer the smaller size for it is easier it is to carry along. The size of the bodhran ranges from fourteen to twenty-six inches to suit to the player's preference. Sound is produced by the use of the hand or by the tipper. The tipper, which is a double-headed stick, is held in one hand and often used for very fast and complex beats.
The name bodhran comes from the Irish word "bodhar" meaning deaf. It also known as the Irish or Celtic drum. The name can also mean as "tray", "thundered", "deafening", and "dull-sounding". It is otherwise known as a "frame drum" because of the way is created using soft wood that can be easily bent and animal skin as its frame cover. Bodhrans are functional as a working tool and a musical instrument at the same time.
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.
In the Basque country and other countries like Ireland, Spain, France the bodhran has become an integral part of their musical entertainment. But it is only in Ireland that this musical instrument has gained its high degree of sophistication. In most instances, this drum is used for purely religious and cultural festivals.
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. - 18780
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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 celtic bagpipes.
posted by X - Men at
4:40 AM
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