Hang playing

This musical practice is centered around performing on a unique idiophonic instrument developed in 2000 by Swiss artisans Felix Rohner and Sabina Schärer of PANArt in Bern. The instrument consists of two metal hemispheres joined at the rim, forming a convex lens shape. The top side, known as the "Ding," features a central note surrounded by seven or eight tone fields, each tuned to a specific pitch. The bottom side, called the "Gu," has an opening that acts as a resonator, enabling deep bass sounds. Playing the hang involves using hands, including fingers, palms, and wrists, resulting in a soft and melodic sound reminiscent of a combination of harp, bells, and steel drums. The instrument has gained widespread acclaim for its meditative and atmospheric tones, becoming popular among street performers, yoga practitioners, and in ethnic music. Since its inception, the hang has inspired the creation of a family of similar instruments known as handpans, crafted by various artisans worldwide. Although the original hang ceased production in 2014, its legacy continues in music and culture, blending traditional percussion techniques with contemporary sound exploration.