When I accepted The Versatile Blogger Award, one of the requirements was to list 7 things about myself. I revealed I was learning to play the bodhran.
I had several comments asking me, "What is a bodhran?"....this is my response.
I'm a wee bit on the shy side.
While searching for my "Mac" ancestors, I decided I wanted to learn some Scottish music using my guitar.
That step lead me to the bodhran.
In a sitting position, I use this crossbar to hold it while resting the bodhran on my right thigh. The tipper is held in my left hand, like holding a writing pen, and you brush up and down over the goat skin top.
My guitar teacher and I are learning together.
I ordered the bodhran from Ireland....yes, I know, I did say Scottish music. The Irish also use the same instrument in their music.
If you would like to hear the sound of the instrument, click on the above YouTube. You might, just as I have, fall in love with the sound.
You will often hear celtic musicians with this instrument in their group. The Corries, no longer performing, are still well-known in Scotland for their traditional music.
Meggie Mac
I am reading your post while I'm still at school. Coincidently I've just finished rehearsing my school's Folk Group. I love the sound of traditional celtic melodies! All the best, Jx
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jan. It has been fun for me to explore the music. I was already playing some Appalachian Folk Music with the guitar.
DeleteCeltic music is wonderful and it is lovely to know that you are helping to keep traditional music alive. By the way, there is no need for you to be camera shy Meggie - you look wonderful - great photo of you!
ReplyDeleteI think working with the traditional music goes hand and hand with living the country life-style and trying to be a keeper of the land I live on. As for camera shy, I wanted to show the guitar, but not my face. Living alone, I probably take extra precautions for my safety.
DeleteWell, you live and learn! I had never heard of a bodhran!
ReplyDeleteAnne, I'm with you....a few years ago, I had not heard of the instrument.
DeleteI'm sure there are others, but here's a song with Scottish musicians feauring the bodhran (Stuart Cassells from the Red Hot Chili Pipers on bagpipe from his CD Blown Away) Moran and the Bodhran. I think footstompin.com and maybe Amazon have sample plays.
ReplyDeleteI'm so impressed with your talents guitar, now bodhran!
Thanks, Janet, for the tip. I will look them up.
DeleteI have a better suggestion. The one I gave you doesn't get to the bodhran solo until 2:46. Bodhran Medley on Music of Nova Scotia. (I got it on iTunes, just this song.) Nothing but bodhrans for 1:35 minutes.
DeleteThis was very interesting, I don't think I have ever heard of this instrument before....
ReplyDeleteIt's fairly new to me, too.
ReplyDeleteI was interested to read this. My daughter plays the clarsach - I daresay you know what that is too!
DeleteYes, I do know that it is a harp....You must be very proud of her!
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