At that time, composer Ewan MacColl heard the news of France's defeat at Dien Bien Phu and said to his friends: "Why did this particularly significant victory happen in Vietnam and not in some other colonial territory? Recently, I read a valuable book, containing many articles by several professors of Eastern and French, Italian history... praising a great figure of the 20th century. That is Ho Chi Minh , the leader who just led the Vietnamese people to the outstanding victory at Dien Bien Phu."
The inspiration came to the author after such events. From the life of the great leader, the musician wrote the song using material from English folk melodies. Since its first performance, the song has been loved by listeners in many territories, especially in socialist countries and nations that opposed war. The song was "imported" to Vietnam in 1967, after Meritorious Artist Quang Hung performed with the song's author.
Shortly afterwards, composer Phu An translated the lyrics from English to Vietnamese, preserving the song's spirit intact. Also in 1967, "The Song of Ho Chi Minh" was performed for the first time at the Hanoi Grand Opera House on May 19th, sung by Meritorious Artist Quang Hung. The lyrics, full of love and pride, resonated deeply with the Vietnamese people: "The far-off East Sea, beyond the horizon / The people there suffer in poverty and hardship! / From suffering, He traveled across the five continents, his faith shining brightly on the people / Ho, Ho, Ho Chi Minh / Ho, Ho, Ho Chi Minh."
Our great President is also portrayed as a messenger of peace: “The revolutionary fire blazes and spreads/ From the forests of Viet Bac to Thap Muoi/ Ho Chi Minh, in the spring, overflows with countless beliefs/ He was born from truth for freedom and peace/ He dedicated his life for world peace/ Ho, Ho, Ho Chi Minh/ Ho, Ho, Ho Chi Minh.”
Over 70 years since its creation, the song has been performed by many singers and has been well-received by the public in Vietnam as well as many countries around the world. Besides the Vietnamese lyrics, the song has also been translated into many languages such as French, Spanish, Swedish, etc. The song is a testament to the image of President Ho Chi Minh – a profound image, loved and respected by friends around the world.
Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/bai-ca-ho-chi-minh-703491.html
Comment (0)