VI
EN
1. Hue Royal Court Music
This is a form of classical music encompassing three elements: music, dance, and singing, with music and dance accounting for a higher proportion. Considered the national music, it is nearly 1000 years old and was used in court ceremonies and rituals. It can be said that Hue court music is a continuation and development to a new peak of achievements from the Thang Long court music tradition, which had been established for centuries, and is a unique and sophisticated art form of Vietnam.
2. Quan Ho
Quan Ho folk songs from Bac Ninh have a long history, created by the Kinh community in 49 Quan Ho villages and some neighboring villages in the two provinces of Bac Ninh and Bac Giang. The distinctive feature of Quan Ho lies in its call-and-response singing style. Male singers in traditional attire (turbans and silk robes) and graceful female singers in traditional dresses (áo mớ ba, mớ bảy) and conical hats (nón thúng quai thao) sing together in call-and-response style. The songs are simple, heartfelt, and sung in a traditional style without musical accompaniment, yet full of musicality, showcasing the refined culture of the Quan Ho people.
3. Ca trù
Ca trù is considered a scholarly musical genre in Vietnam, originating around the 15th century. It utilizes three special musical instruments: the đàn đáy (a type of lute), the phách (clappers), and the trống chầu (a type of drum). These three basic instruments are associated with three important figures in a performance: the kép (male) – the musician who plays the đàn đáy; the đào nương – the female singer who plays the phách; and the quan viên cầm chầu – the drummer.
4. Xoan Singing
Xoan singing – a type of ceremonial folk song that combines many artistic elements: music, singing, dancing… from the land of the Hung Kings. Xoan singing is another (a slightly altered) name for the words "Spring Singing" or "Spring Songs"; it is a style of singing used in rituals, customs, and festivals that take place in the spring. It begins with singing and dancing inviting the king to attend the village festival with the villagers; followed by "qua cach" – songs wishing the king well, songs recounting the calendar, history, and occupations of the rice-farming people; and finally, love songs between Xoan singers and village men.
5. Traditional Southern Vietnamese Music and Singing
According to historical records, Don Ca Tai Tu is an art form originating from Hue's royal court music. The word "tai tu" (talented musician) refers to a musician with skill, aptitude, and knowledge of classical music. Don Ca Tai Tu was introduced to Southern Vietnam in the late 19th century. Initially, it only involved instrumental music, but later, singing was added, gradually becoming known as Don Ca Tai Tu. What makes Don Ca Tai Tu special is that it is often performed improvisationally, based on traditional original music, with singers adapting it in their own unique way. This difference makes it feel fresh and new to listeners, even when hearing the same song.
