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The photos are from the exhibition "Trinh Cong Son - Meeting Again for the First Time," which took place from February 26th to March 1st at Nguyen Van Binh Book Street (District 1, Ho Chi Minh City). The event showcased for the first time 35 black-and-white photographs of Trinh Cong Son with his family and friends, taken and preserved for nearly 30 years by photographer Duong Minh Long.
Composer Trịnh Công Sơn chatting with the film crew. From left to right: Director Trần Anh Hùng - Hong Kong film actor Tony Leung - Composer Trịnh Công Sơn - Actress Trần Nữ Yên Khê. Photo: Dương Minh Long.
VALUABLE DOCUMENTS ABOUT "IDOLS OF GENERATIONS"
Present at the exhibition, Ms. Le Thi Tuyet Mai (65 years old, residing in Go Vap district) shared that she learned about the exhibition through online forums. Having followed and admired the musician for a long time, she was delighted to learn that photographs of his daily life were being published on the occasion of his 84th birthday. She confided: "Trinh Cong Son is an idol for so many generations, not just me."
Ms. Tuyet Mai paused for a long time in front of each photograph to feel the story behind it. Photo: Bi Le
When asked which photograph impressed her the most, Ms. Tuyet Mai choked up and said, "I am most impressed by the photograph of composers Trinh Cong Son and Van Cao. Two classic composers with brilliant music met as if by a beautiful twist of fate." Ms. Mai stood thoughtfully, unable to hold back tears of emotion as she looked at the photographs of the late composers.
Composer Trịnh Công Sơn is showing a fitness machine to composer Văn Cao at his home in Ho Chi Minh City, 1994. Photo: Dương Minh Long
From right to left: Composer TCS, Composer Bao Phuc, Mr. Le Chi Thanh, Composer Tu Huy in the alley where Trinh Cong Son lived on Pham Ngoc Thach Street, District 3, later known as "Trinh alley". Photo: Duong Minh Long
Having loved Trinh Cong Son's music since their teenage years, the couple Dai (31 years old) and Trang (24 years old) in Ho Chi Minh City shared: "When we saw photos of Trinh Cong Son in his daily life, we got a glimpse into the musician's everyday life. From that, we understood his music better."
Dai and Trang – two young people who share a special love and connection with Trinh Cong Son's music. Photo: An Dao.
TRINH CONG SON'S MUSIC STANDS THE TEST OF TIME
Continuing the conversation with the reporter, Ms. Tuyet Mai remarked that Trinh Cong Son's music contains many philosophies about life. From ordinary people to the elite, everyone can listen to Trinh Cong Son's music and absorb it in their own way. The beauty of Trinh Cong Son's music – according to Ms. Mai – lies in its cheerfulness, positivity, and constant encouragement for listeners to move forward. Although sadness is sometimes unavoidable, the sadness in Trinh Cong Son's music is not melancholic but still carries an optimistic quality.
Everyday photos of the late musician were released by photographer Duong Minh Long after 33 years. Photo: An Dao
Despite their different paths to Trinh Cong Son's music, Dai and Trang both felt quite confused when listening to his songs at a young age. Trang shared that in the early years of "learning to listen" to Trinh Cong Son's music, she only understood the first few lines. It took her several years to understand the rest of a song. As for Dai, by reflecting on important events in his life through the music, he began to understand and appreciate the meanings in Trinh Cong Son's songs.
Trịnh Công Sơn's personal reflection corner in his house, bathed in sunlight, 1996. Photo: Dương Minh Long.
According to him, the current market for music can shape the taste of music listeners, especially young people. Energetic, catchy genres of pop music might be their choice at this age. But at some point in the future, after experiencing changes, people might return to Trinh Cong Son's music for more reflection. "Trinh Cong Son's music has deeply permeated the lives of many people," Mr. Dai affirmed.
Composer Trịnh Công Sơn taught his younger sister, singer Trịnh Vĩnh Trinh, how to sing in 1995. Later, Trịnh Vĩnh Trinh and her family organized many Trịnh Công Sơn music nights to commemorate the anniversary of the composer's death, as a way of continuing his legacy. Photo: Dương Minh Long.
Sharing with Travellive reporters, Ms. Tuyet Mai said that at different times, people have different thoughts and feelings about the same song. However, what particularly captivated her was the poetic quality in the late composer's music. She remarked: "The music of young, modern singers and composers is attractive and trendy, but it's quickly remembered and quickly forgotten...", she continued, "while Trinh Cong Son's music endures through the years!"
Students were guided by their teachers on a tour and took photos at the exhibition. Photo: An Đào
Perhaps it's not just Ms. Mai, Mr. Dai, and Ms. Trang; many Trinh Cong Son music lovers, upon learning about the exhibition, also want to come here to learn more about this talented musician. The black-and-white photographs of the late musician Trinh Cong Son are arranged like a slow-motion film of special moments in his life. The exhibition will be on display until March 1st at Nguyen Van Binh Book Street.
