A special highlight of the project is the connection between heritage and the digital age. The music video "Thuong Cau Dan Ca" (Loving the Folk Song) was created using artificial intelligence (AI) technology, inspired by Dong Ho folk paintings.
The album "Thuong Cau Dan Ca" (Loving Folk Songs) comprises five works composed by musician Nguyen Quang Long over more than a year: "Ngau Hung Con Duyen" (Improvisation on the Still Charming Melody) (developed from the Quan Ho folk song "Con Duyen"), "Tinh Chuyen Tram Nam" (Considering a Hundred Years), "Thuong Cau Dan Ca" (Loving Folk Songs), "Nghe Tim Minh Roi" (Hearing My Heart Fall), and "Chi Hai Sao Dung Dau Dinh" (Why Is My Sister Standing at the Head of the Village Gate). Throughout the album, the material is the Quan Ho folk music of Bac Ninh and the musical space of the Northern Delta – a region rich in cultural identity with its own unique scales, melodies, singing styles, and aesthetic sensibilities.
Instead of restoring or replicating ancient melodies, Nguyen Quang Long chose to write new songs in the spirit of folk music. The traditional Vietnamese love songs are still present, but they are not confined to the past; instead, they are placed within contemporary life through contemplative lyrics, restrained harmonies and arrangements, and a balanced blend with world music. In this context, tradition is not merely a distant memory, but becomes a vibrant source capable of engaging with contemporary emotions.
Sharing his motivation for composing, musician Nguyen Quang Long said he appreciates the current trend of incorporating folk elements into popular music, especially as many young artists boldly combine folk with rap, electronic, or pop. However, what concerns him is the need for a purer, more accessible form of folk music that retains the essence of folk songs but suits the aesthetics and tastes of today's audience. From this, "Thuong Cau Dan Ca" (Loving Folk Songs) was created as a way to extend the life of traditional music through new creations, respecting its roots while remaining open to the present.
The choice of Quan Ho folk music and the cultural setting of the Northern Delta also stems from the musician's personal memories. In the album, listeners can recognize hints of familiar melodies such as "Farewell," "Sitting by the Boat's Edge," and "Calling for a Ferry." Characteristic vocal embellishments are refined and modernized; the style of singing based on the Tale of Kieu is directly explored and placed within a new, youthful musical space while still preserving cultural depth.
The album's music director is musician and Meritorious Artist Nguyen Quang Hung. Under his direction, the works in "Thuong Cau Dan Ca" maintain their coherence and subtlety, creating a harmonious whole between vocals, traditional instruments, and contemporary musical structure.
The entire album is performed by singer AnhHI Thanh Cường (formerly known as Phan Thanh Cường). With a solid technical foundation, a history of performing lyrical and revolutionary music, winning the Hanoi Best Voice award, and being a singer at the Vietnam National Opera and Ballet Theatre, Thanh Cường views this project as a significant turning point in his career. Changing his stage name to AnhHI Thanh Cường also reflects his determination to refresh his aesthetic thinking and approach to music.
AnhHI Thanh Cường shared: “When I encountered the compositions in ‘Loving Folk Songs,’ I felt like I found myself in art. I hope to contribute to the promotion and development of folk music in contemporary Vietnamese music.” AnhHI Thanh Cường’s simple, approachable voice helps highlight the interplay between tradition and modernity that the album aims for.
The album also features the participation of many reputable artists: People's Artist Thanh Hoai with a recitation of the Tale of Kieu in a segment of "Considering a Hundred-Year Plan"; Meritorious Artist Van Mai (zither), Meritorious Artist Nguyen Quang Hung (lute, moon lute), artist Hai An (flute), artist Duy Thong (two-stringed fiddle).
Released alongside the album, the music video "Thuong Cau Dan Ca" (Loving Folk Songs) made a strong impression with its unique concept and presentation, created by visual director and AI artist Xuan Manh AI. The MV tells the story of a young man who "transmigrates" into the world of Dong Ho folk paintings and meets his dream lover.
Beyond using Dong Ho paintings for visuals, the music video also recreates the Quan Ho cultural space with the Lim Festival, rich in the unique identity of the Kinh Bac region. The combination of AI and heritage opens up a more accessible approach for young audiences, thereby honoring the beauty of Dong Ho paintings and the Quan Ho heritage of Bac Ninh.
Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/album-mv-thuong-cau-dan-ca-net-truyen-thong-trong-dong-chay-am-nhac-duong-dai-731507.html
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