Different Meanings And Uses 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 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.
The drums are commonly associated with beating and loud sound. However, the bodhran is not like most drums for it plays a soft sound often giving an impression of dullness. It sounds deep and can be played in many styles ranging from the traditional Irish rhythm to the modern beat. You can likewise play with this instrument according to your personal style. The variations in sounds depend on the tapping on the skin or rim and in the movement of the hands.
The bodhran has reached its height of sophistication only in Ireland. This frame drum is used mostly for purely religious and cultural festivals. This musical instrument has also become an integral part of the musical entertainment of Ireland and other countries like Spain, France and the Basque country.
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.
This type of musical instrument features designs of the cross, animals and birds, spiral and knotwork. The spiral signifies the continuity of life passing through the process of death and rebirth. It represents the past, present and future and has been a symbol of the eternity of life. The designs bear significant meanings which are also relevant to religious rites or cultural ceremonies playing the bodhran. - 18418
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 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.
The drums are commonly associated with beating and loud sound. However, the bodhran is not like most drums for it plays a soft sound often giving an impression of dullness. It sounds deep and can be played in many styles ranging from the traditional Irish rhythm to the modern beat. You can likewise play with this instrument according to your personal style. The variations in sounds depend on the tapping on the skin or rim and in the movement of the hands.
The bodhran has reached its height of sophistication only in Ireland. This frame drum is used mostly for purely religious and cultural festivals. This musical instrument has also become an integral part of the musical entertainment of Ireland and other countries like Spain, France and the Basque country.
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.
This type of musical instrument features designs of the cross, animals and birds, spiral and knotwork. The spiral signifies the continuity of life passing through the process of death and rebirth. It represents the past, present and future and has been a symbol of the eternity of life. The designs bear significant meanings which are also relevant to religious rites or cultural ceremonies playing the bodhran. - 18418
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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
4:57 AM
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