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Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of the Handpan, a musical instrument that harmoniously combines technique, passion and a unique sound. Whether you’re a curious novice or a passionate music lover, set off on an unforgettable journey of Handpan music.
Table of Contents
What is the Handpan?
The handpan is an acoustic musical instrument that evolved from the Hang Drum. It is a melodic percussion instrument with a striking lens shape and a wide sound spectrum. Designed to be played with the hands, the handpan produces a range of rich, vibrant sounds that evoke a sense of tranquillity and peace.
Read also : All about the Handpan
The History of the Handpan
The story of the handpan began in Switzerland in 2000, in the workshops of PANArt, where its inventors, Felix Rohner and Sabina Schärer, gave birth to this unique musical instrument. Since then, the handpan has travelled the world, inspiring musicians and listeners with its distinctive timbre and futuristic allure.
Read also : Discover the origins of the Handpan
How is a Handpan made?
Making a handpan is a true art. Each instrument is created from two steel half-spheres, which are then hand-hammered to form a lens-shaped resonator. Each note is then carefully hammered by hand to create a specific scale. It’s a delicate process that requires great skill.
How do I play music with a Handpan?
Playing the handpan is a deeply personal experience. The instrument is usually played on the musician’s lap, with the fingers gently tapping it to produce a variety of sounds and music. With each area of the handpan producing a different note, a wide variety of melodies can be created, making each playing session unique.
Read also : How to play Handpan ?
Various Styles of Handpan Music
The handpan is a versatile instrument that can be used to create many different styles of music. Whether for contemplative, meditative melodies, energetic folk rhythms or to enrich electronic music and jazz, the handpan blends into all genres, while adding its own unique sound.
Listen to the sound of the Handpan
Covers of Popular Music with a Handpan
The handpan is not just an instrument for composing new melodies, it is also an incredible way of rediscovering popular music. Talented artists have covered and revisited popular songs with the handpan, adding a new dimension to familiar melodies.
From gentle pop ballads to iconic rock tunes, classic jazz tunes and even famous film themes, these handpan covers reveal a new side to the music. The distinctive sound of the handpan adds a touch of mystery and wonder, transforming these popular songs into a unique aural experience.
Each cover is a demonstration of how handpan music can integrate and enrich different genres. Whether you’re a music lover looking for new interpretations of your favourite tunes, or just discovering the world of the handpan, these covers will give you a new perspective on this fascinating instrument.
Ed Sheeran – Shape of You
Discover a unique interpretation of Ed Sheeran’s ‘Shape of You’ by the talented Takao Minemoto. Armed with his Handpan, Minemoto transports us into a surprising and soothing musical version of this popular classic.
Metallica – Nothing Else Matters
Relive ‘Nothing Else Matters’ performed on the Handpan. Listen to this classic from our teenage years, reinterpreted by Mumi on an instrument of her own creation. Let yourself be carried away by the magic of the music !
Pirates des Caraïbes
Discover the incredible main theme from ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’, revisited by Jean-Charles Debove on his Handpan. Filmed in Port de Bouc, this unique reworking transports you to the heart of maritime adventures, while savouring the exquisite sounds of the Handpan.
Game of Thrones
Enjoy the theme from ‘Game of Thrones’, sublimely interpreted by Enrico Carnevale on his Zambelli Handpan. The essence of this iconic melody is beautifully captured, transporting listeners to the heart of Westeros.
Leonard Cohen – Hallelujah
Immerse yourself in emotion with ‘Hallelujah’ by Mumi on her Elaia Handpan. A touching musical tribute, Mumi combines the purity of her Handpan and her voice to create a vibrant rendition of this classic. An experience not to be missed !
Maroon 5- Girls Like You
Discover Maroon 5’s ‘Girls Like You’ revisited by Mystic Hang on Handpan. A unique version that will delight music lovers. Let yourself be seduced by this unique musical experience !
System of a Down – Toxicity
Rediscover System of a Down as never before, performed on a handpan by El Estepario Siberiano. Experience an unprecedented musical fusion of rock and world music.
Interstellar
Abhishek Dhar brings a new dimension to Hans Zimmer’s ‘S.T.A.Y – Interstellar’ with his masterful Handpan interpretation. A breathtaking reinterpretation that transcends musical boundaries.
Rocky
Jacob Cole reinvents the classic ‘Eye of the Tiger’ from the film Rocky on the handpan. A daring first attempt that revives the themes of beloved films from our childhood. Fun and captivating !
Handpan in classical music
Discover how the handpan enriches classical music with its unique sound. Whether solo or accompanying an orchestra, the handpan adds a new dimension to classical music.
Mozart – The Turkish March
Enz Percus reinterprets Mozart’s famous ‘Turkish March’ on the handpan. A musical journey that fuses timeless classical works with the unique, haunting sound of the handpan.
JS Bach – Prelude BWV 846
Laurent Sureau brings a new dimension to Bach’s Prelude BWV 846 by playing it on handpans, exploring the rich sound of these unique instruments.
Beethoven – Fur Elise
Adrian Portia offers a unique cover of Beethoven’s ‘Fur Elise’ on handpan, creatively reinterpreting this famous piece of classical music.
Handpan in electronic music
In the world of electronic music, the handpan adds an organic, earthy touch, creating a fascinating contrast with the synthetic sounds.
Loris Lombardo
Loris Lombardo fuses electronic music and the handpan, creating a unique sound experience. Find out more about his work in this video.
Giolì & Assia – SILENCE
Giolì & Assia present a captivating Handpan set from the glacial lagoon of Fjallsarlon in Iceland, integrating the impressive nature and icy landscapes into their performance. They play tracks from their album ‘Fire Hell and Holy Water’ in this breathtaking setting.
Giolì & Assia – Inside Your Head
Giolì & Assia offer an impressive Handpan performance on the volcanic island of the Aeolian Islands, fusing wild landscapes with their captivating music. Their track, ‘Inside Your Head’, is presented in these spectacular surroundings.
Handpan in jazz music
In jazz, the handpan offers new possibilities for rhythms and melodies, enriching this musical genre with its unique sound.
Autumn Leaves
Tom Vaylo offers an interesting cover of ‘Autumn Leaves’, a jazz standard popular with the likes of Edith Piaf, Roger Williams and Eric Clapton. The gentle, slightly chilled melody is captured live with Robin, combining the distinctive sound of the Koan handpan with a Cordoba guitar.
Mystic Flow
This video introduces us to an exceptional musical collaboration between Armin Küpper and Fabian Küpper, father and son, at the Jazz Festival in Moers, Germany, in 2018. Armin, the father, is a talented saxophonist who introduced Fabian to music at an early age.
Afternoon Delight
The video, entitled “Afternoon Delight”, is a captivating musical performance featuring a melodious conversation between the saxophone and the handpan, accompanied by a spellbinding voice.
Handpan in Meditation Music
The hypnotic appeal of the handpan has found a particularly strong echo in meditation music. The unique harmony and soothing vibrations produced by this instrument are ideal for promoting a state of deep relaxation and concentration.
The handpan lends itself beautifully to the creation of immersive soundscapes that can help reduce stress, promote inner calm and create a space for mindfulness. Whether accompanying a yoga or meditation session, or simply providing a tranquil backdrop for relaxation, handpan music offers a serene and balanced atmosphere.
The slow, repetitive rhythm, typical of handpan meditation music, invites deep introspection. Each note resonates with a vibration that can help to calm the mind and balance the emotions. Discover how the handpan can enrich your well-being and meditation practices through our selection of dedicated musical pieces.
Meditation Compilation #10 – Yatao Music
Handpan Meditation – changeofcolours
Meditation Compilation #1 – Yatao Music
How do you choose your Handpan?
Choosing a handpan can seem daunting, given the many options available. Several factors can influence your choice: the material, the range of notes, the timbre, the resonance of the instrument, and of course, your budget. Take the time to listen to several handpan demonstrations to find the one that resonates with you.
Read also : The ultimate handpan guide
The handpan is a fascinating instrument that invites musical exploration. Whether you’re a seasoned musician in search of new sounds or simply a music lover keen to broaden your sonic horizons, the world of handpan music is an adventure waiting to be discovered.
Would you like to explore the world of handpan even further? We invite you to contact us directly using the form available here. We offer personalised assistance to help you select your future musical instrument.
