Traditional Vietnamese Music: Genres and Instruments

Vietnamese music dates back a long time ago. Some genres of music are influenced by Chinese, Indian,... Each region has its own style of music as well as each era. We can classify the traditional Vietnamese music style in Vietnam in 3 regions: the north, the south and the center. The songs can be sung alone, in pairs, or in groups. 

Traditional music in Vietnam is extremely varied, 8 of them have been recognized by UNESCO as intangible heritage. These are the Quan Ho singing, the Hue royal court music, the Ca Tru, the Tay Nguyen Gongs music and Hat Xoan - the songs of the villagers, Vi Giam, Don Ca Tai Tu,  Bai Choi Singing. Those kinds of music might be threatened to disappear because of modernization and less young people keen on learning the old music, but fortunately, they are still retained till today.

The 8 musics in the list of UNESCO intangible cultural heritages:

• Quan Ho singing: a typical folk song from the Red River in northern Vietnam, always sung in groups.

• Hue Royal Court Music also called Nha Nhac Cung Dinh Hue, in which people play flute, percussion, oboe,... in ceremonies, festivals, coronation, funerals,...

• Ca Tru singing or Hat A Dao: this is a mixture of poetry and music from Northern Vietnam. This kind of music was at the time very popular among aristocrats. The ca tru groups are usually composed of a female singer and 2 instrumentalists. Today, this singing is divided into two categories, either diverse or ritual.
• Gongs of Tay Nguyen: in the central highland of the country, the Gongs music is practiced, usually with Gong instrumentals.
• Hat Xoan - the songs of the villagers: in the province of Phu Tho, this art is a performance that mixes singing, dancing, percussion,...

• Vi and Giam Folk Song: This type of music is popular among north-central Vietnam. The lyrics are sung in dialects, and show the respect for parents, loyalty, care and devotion, the importance of honesty and a good heart in the maintenance of village customs and traditions.

• Don Ca Tai Tu: If you have a chance to visit Mekong Delta, don't miss a show of Don Ca Tai Tu among the orchards. The songs truly reflect the authenticity of life as well as express much of feeling and emotions.
• The art of Bai Choi singing: It combines the music, poetry and action to create an interesting performance. In the past, Bai Choi only was transmitted orally. Now people establish clubs, schools and associations to preserve it.

These kinds of Vietnamese traditional music can be heard during a puppet show on the water, or in the villages of Mai Chau, Buon Ma Thuot or Hue.

Example of other traditional music in Vietnam:

• Chau Van or hat van: This is a northern delta song playing a hyper important role in mother goddess worship performances. Singers can sing this spiritual song for 4 to 8 hours.

• Cheo: a North Vietnamese art, folk melodies, to be experienced during summer festivals. The scenic art of Cheo has a long history, so it has influenced the social life of Vietnamese people. The lyrics are always optimistic, loving, simple,... This form of comic song was brought to the theater and became the oldest of the opera style, accompanied by dance and a full orchestra.

• Cai Luong: This is an opera originating from the south of the country, during the performance you are told many interesting stories from the past.
• Xẩm: this is a type of music from the north that before was considered a sustenance for the poor and the dead. The singers perform in the street, in places with many people and not on stages. Instruments like the erhu and the senh tien.

• There are still so many Vietnamese folk music like: Ho, Ly, Tuong,...

Besides, each ethnic group has its own traditional music, and different modes of expression, some prefer singing and others prefer traditional instruments. Vietnam has more than 54 different ethnic groups and each has different songs and music.

Musical instruments: 

For Vietnamese people, musical instruments are treasures, they express feelings, wish for a better life. They look simple to make but require great precision, and a lot of practice before they can be played. Still today, traditional musical instruments are still used very often. Here is some of them: 

• Dan Bau: a Vietnamese monochord, one of the most unique and attractive, this one-stringed instrument, made of mahogany and shiny wood, still manages to convey many emotions.

• Dan Nhi: This apparently is a simple instrument with 2 metal and wooden strings that is an essential for music groups, it allows to create a perfect harmony.

• Ken Bau, this kind of trumpet is used for parties, weddings, funerals,... There are 3 kinds with low, medium and high tones. The sound of this instrument is quite strong and high, so only men can play it.

• Cong Chieng (Vietnamese Gongs), available in several sizes, in copper, gold or silver, for ethnic groups, this instrument has a great value and meaning. It is a sacred instrument used for rituals, sacrifices, marriage,...

• Dan Tranh: this instrument appeared around the 11th century, composed of 13, 17 or 22, 24, 25 (the largest) strings.

• Dinh Nam, Phach, T'rung, Dan Da,... many other instruments still exist.

Despite the western influences since the beginning of the 20th century, Vietnam keeps its authenticity and preserves its traditions, its stories, its bewitching music. Discovering culture through Vietnamese traditional music will be a great experience during a trip. Some of the above mentioned music is also performed in the Water Puppet show, which you can find in a big city’s theater.

>> See more: Best Time to Visit Vietnam by Region and Month