Various Artists - Vietnam: Hat Cheo-Traditional Folk Theatre - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Various Artists - Music of Vietnam / Various [COMPACT DISCS] date 05/30/2012

The music presented in this collection is considered to be InchentertainmentInch music, similar to that played in private concerts or on the radio, rather than for religious and ceremonial occasions. The South designation-of historical note, this music was recorded before the political unification of North and South Vietnam into the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in 1975-refers not only to the tradition's possible geographic origin, but also to the musical modes used. This recording features the dàn tranh, a 17-string zither with movable frets, and the ty bà lute, as well as a small block of hardwood in the shape of a short cylinder called song lang. Nguy?n Vinh B?o, considered by many to be the finest dàn tranh player of the mid- to late 20th century, performs solo on four tracks and is joined by Tr?n Van Khê on the ty bà for the final two tracks on the recording. The liner notes are written by Tr?n Van Khê, who is both a musician and a musicologist.

The traditional court theater of Vietnam is called hat bôi (hat theater; bôi masked or painted face). Although hat bôi bears a superficial resemblance to Chinese theater, the instrumentals and vocals are distinctly Vietnamese. This musical theater genre began in the early 14th century, reaching a peak in popularity in the 19th century. In the mid-20th century it all but vanished due to the rise of modern theatrical styles; however, the reunification of Vietnam in 1975 has resulted in further study and interest in the preservation of the tradition by educators and musicians.This album recorded by noted musicologist Trân Van Khê presents excerpts and scenes from traditional plays performed by musicians and singers from the Academy of Dramatic Art and the traditional theater troupe of Ho Chi Minh City.