Music in Cheo art

Music is one of the central elements that contributes to the unique character of Cheo theater. In the overall structure of a Cheo play, music not only serves as a backdrop for the acting but also guides emotions, sets the scene, and propels the dramatic progression, making the story vivid, profound, and rich in lyricism.

The melodies of Cheo opera and music are always intertwined.

Cheo music comprises two main elements: the melodies and the musical accompaniment. While the lyrics serve as a means for characters to express their thoughts, personalities, and dramatic situations, the musical accompaniment acts as a supporting "language," paving the way for the plot, evoking atmosphere, and regulating the rhythm of the stage. Each scene and transition has its corresponding music, creating a seamless, fluid, and poetic flow.

The artists all affirmed the unique nature of the Cheo orchestra. Meritorious Artist Ha Bac, Head of the Cheo Stage Department, Thai Nguyen Provincial Ethnic Arts Troupe, shared that each instrument in the orchestra has its own color and expressive power, and when blended together, they are "like the voice of the character, guiding the story through each act."

Cheo is not just about singing; it's a journey with musicians, directors, and colleagues to bring the story to life on stage, full of emotion.

The traditional Cheo orchestra is structured in a colorful orchestral style, where each instrument possesses its own unique acoustic characteristics, but all share a commonality: a close resemblance to the human voice, the heart of Cheo art.

Some typical musical instruments include: the moon lute with its clear, soft sound, often accompanying lyrical melodies; the two-stringed fiddle with its poignant, deep sound, capable of expressing subtle emotions; the bamboo flute, creating a dreamy, ethereal atmosphere on stage; and drums, clappers, and castanets that keep the rhythm and add emphasis to dance movements and singing.

In the current context of integration, preserving and promoting Cheo music has become an important task. Many art organizations, such as the Thai Nguyen Provincial Ethnic Arts Troupe, have focused on investing in traditional orchestras, training young musicians, and reviving ancient melodies.

Young musician Tran Van Bang of the Thai Nguyen Provincial Ethnic Arts Troupe shared that every time he steps onto the stage, he feels like he is contributing to preserving "a treasure of our ancestors."

As he played the instrument to accompany the singing, he listened to every breath, grasping each nuance of emotion from the artist to help the story on stage flourish.

For each performance, the musicians, director, and actors must diligently rehearse for one to two months, so that the music and lyrics blend together like a single breath, drawing the audience into every moment and every emotional nuance of the characters.

Musician Thanh Son practices with his colleagues.

Musician Nguyen Thanh Son, from the Thai Nguyen Provincial Ethnic Arts Troupe, also shared that pursuing Cheo music is not easy. The difficulties and hardships did not deter him; on the contrary, each round of applause from the audience was a source of happiness, giving him strength and renewed love for his profession. Every note, every melody he performs is not just a performance, but also an expression of gratitude, a preservation and continuation of the soul of the national art form that previous generations have painstakingly cultivated.

Music in Cheo theater is not only a theatrical aid but also an integral part of the soul and identity of this national art form. Therefore, preserving and promoting Cheo music today is not only about heritage preservation but also a responsibility of the younger generation in building a progressive Vietnamese culture rich in national identity.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/van-hoa/202511/am-nhac-trong-nghe-thuat-cheo-09647af/