|
History of the Bodhran
by Ronan Nolan
__________
"The bodhran evolved in the
mid-20th century from the
tambourine, which can be
heard on some Irish music
recordings dating back to the
1920s and viewed in a pre-
Famine painting. However, in remote parts of the
south-west, the “poor man’s tambourine” - made
from farm implements and minus the cymbols - was
in popular use among mummers, or wren boys.
Sean O Riada was one of the first to stick his neck
out, brazenly describing the bodhran as our native
drum, adding his view that its history goes back to
pre-Christian times. Others, while not denying that it
could have had an ancient role, take the view that its
introduction as a musical instrument is a more recent
phenomenon.
There are many theories:
* That the drum originated in Africa and came to
Ireland by way of Spain.
* That it originated in Central Asia and was brought
to Ireland by Celtic migrants.
* That it originated in rural Ireland and evolved from a
work implement to its present musical status.
* That it was devised by cunning Kerry farmers to
push up the price of goatskin.
What we do know for sure is that drums are
generally circular and, until recent times, tended to be
covered with animal skin. And that their emergence
in various cultures at different times need not be
related events.
Given our history, the drum would have had a
role in Irish warfare. We know that up to a couple of
centuries ago, Gaelic chieftains had their own march
tunes. But given the destructible nature of wood
and animal skin, it is not surprising that none have
survived from early Gaelic times.
Source:
www.iol.ie/~ronolan/
index.html
|
