Thijs Haenen’s barrel organ has become a big hit on Dutch website Dumpert. The video of Eindhoven organ “Fata Morgana” draws a lot of views and likes.
To celebrate “Fata Morgana” becoming a star, Haenen printed the theme of the Dutch video-site. His barrel organ now plays this theme. Haenen, a student at Eindhoven’s TU, states laughingly: “Yes, all of a sudden my organ is famous. I like it!”
Special songs
Twice a month, on a Saturday, Haenen drives his barrel organ across the Demer in the centre of Eindhoven. It is a hobby. He enjoys doing this. His organ plays well-known songs like “‘t Dondert en ‘t Bliksemt” and “Per Spoor” by Dutch star Guus Meeuwis. Also included in the organ’s repertoire: the theme song of Nintendo character Mario.
Haenen’s “Fata Morgana” was built by someone who worked at Dutch theme-park “Efteling”. At this theme-park, the man maintained its barrel organs. The Eindhoven TU student obtained his “Fata Morgana” in 2015.
Interested in more (barrel) organs? Utrecht has a special museum dedicated to these machines, their history, their music: Museum Speelklok.
Source: Studio 040
Translator: Kate
