Topic: In the Gentse Feesten, just half an hour ago.
The first time I ever saw (an most important, hear!) a hang was today, not even half an hour ago, in the city of Gent, in Belgium. And look at me now, already registering myself to this forum and looking for more information about this instrument.
These days is the "Gentse Feesten" the main yearly festivities of the city, where all kind of cultural activities, specially music, turns this little city upside down for ten days. Streets are full of people enjoying the great atmosphere, and all sorts of people also play on the streets. Not necessarily for the money, but as a way to contribute to this atmosphere. And there it was, that beautiful sound I couldn't recognize. In the center of a circle of people there was this guy, playing this UFO-shaped instrument I never had seen before. I was absolutely mesmerized by the sound. During a short two minutes break the guy took, I talked with him. May be he is even a member of this community? He is from Barcelona - Spain, like me, and he told me a bit about the hang, that it comes from Switzerland and that he had to go there to get his own. He told me also he taught himself to play, and he is obviously very talented.
I couldn't talk with him more than a minute, but hopefully I will see him again these days in the city. May be. What's for sure is that as soon as I saw and hear the instrument I knew I want one.
I'm not a musician, nor I play any instrument at all, but I love music. And if I ever felt an instrument was for me, this has been the hang.
After a little research I'm starting to realize that getting one is going to be harder than I thought, as apparently only one company in Switzerland makes them and there is a big demand and little supply. But any input or advise by members of this community about the process of getting one will be very welcome.
Also, if the guy I met today happens to read this, I want to thank him again for the nice music he brought today to this nice city.
Francesc.
