The enchanting melody produced by a handpan drum is truly captivating and otherworldly. Its ethereal sound has the power to evoke images of a whimsical fairy tale, especially when the handpan is gracefully floating on water. In our captivating video, the serenity of a small river is disrupted by a sudden disturbance, followed by the emergence of a man from its depths. With an appearance reminiscent of a misplaced Viking or a youthful wizard like Gandalf, he delicately places his hand over the surface of the drum. What unfolds next can only be described as pure magic.
You may not be familiar with handpan drums or “hang” if you haven’t heard of them before, even though we have previously written about them. The handpan drum was first introduced in Switzerland in 2000. It draws inspiration from the steel drum, also known as a “Tonge Drum” or Tongue Drum, which originated in the Caribbean. While both instruments have different musical ranges, handpans are more expensive due to their intricate handmade process. This makes them pricier compared to tongue drums.
Handpan drums possess a unique, convex surface adorned with enchanting divets. This design contributes to the creation of a mesmerizing sound that captivates listeners. The tonal range of the drum is determined by its size, with smaller drums producing higher pitches and larger ones emitting deeper tones. Remarkably versatile, each drum can generate up to 22 distinct sounds, making it an incredibly adaptable instrument. Moreover, when played on water, the handpan drum’s ethereal melodies become even more enchanting.
As I observe this man playing, I can’t help but notice the intense focus on his face. With gentle taps of his fingertips, he creates each melodic sound, resulting in a truly captivating piece of music. The beauty of his performance is undeniable.
