The Muong people sing the melodies of Thuong Rang and Bo Meng.

The Thuong Rang and Bo Meng folk songs are among the most prominent folk art forms of the Muong ethnic group in Hoa Binh province (formerly), now Phu Tho province. Notably, they have recently been included in the list of National Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. These heartfelt melodies, echoing through the Muong villages, maintain the rhythm of a vibrant and unique heritage, worthy of being recognized.

Simple yet heartfelt, unique

The Muong people also call the Thuong Rang or Rang Thuong folk songs play an important role in their cultural and spiritual life and community customs. The Muong people created this unique lyrical folk song style during their daily lives, work, and folk beliefs thousands of years ago.

The artisans exchange information and perform the Bo Meng folk melodies in a rustic setting.

In the Muong language, "Thuong Dang" means a pair, while "Bo Mang" refers to formal conversation (singing and speaking). Both are performed in a style of singing, speaking, reciting, and praising, with a narrative and call-and-response nature between two people. The melodies are heartfelt and chamber-like, maximizing the singer's emotional impact on their partner and the listener. Therefore, Thuong Dang and Bo Mang are not sung as duets or group songs, but rather as two groups taking turns singing in a call-and-response style. The singers need skill, understanding, and proficiency in the Muong language.

With their intimacy, simplicity, and expressiveness, the melodies of Thuong Dang and Bo Meng are expressed with the soul and emotions of the Muong people. The rich lyrics suit the unique nuances of each event and situation, and are deeply ingrained in the Muong villages, becoming an indispensable spiritual nourishment for the people.

Now 70 years old, the voice of the distinguished artist Bach Thi Dao from Nat Son commune still captivates hearts. Artist Dao recounts: “Since I was 9 or 10 years old, I followed my parents to listen to folk songs. The melodies of Thuong Rang and Bo Meng have seeped into my blood, my heart, and my soul. Driven by this passion, in 2017 I established a club for teaching and singing folk songs and playing Muong gongs, which currently has 40 members. Every 15th and 30th of the month, these sweet and profound melodies resonate throughout the Muong village.”

Distinguished artisan Bach Thi Dao has always been passionate about the Thuong Rang and Bo Meng folk melodies.

The songs are sung from every home, garden, roadside, field, or village square, and on joyous occasions such as festivals and weddings... There's no need for a grand stage or loudspeakers, but the heartfelt and tender melodies are enough to awaken the entire Muong region.

To tell folk tales, express gratitude, offer blessings, make promises, admonish children and grandchildren, or praise their homeland, the Muong people can transform these into moving songs. Among these, songs about courtship and love are the most numerous. Through the Thuong Rang and Bo Meng songs, the people express their feelings and thoughts; thereby understanding each other and living with integrity and loyalty.

Therefore, Muong folk songs are not only a source of spiritual nourishment but also deeply philosophical and humanistic; they express aspirations and optimism; they foster love for the homeland and country, loyalty and fidelity... and preserve the Muong language.

The Muong people's songs will forever echo.

In the past, the songs of the Muong people were passed down orally from generation to generation. In the Muong Vang region, the songs of the artist Quach Thi Hen were a source of encouragement during the arduous work in the fields. This famous "singer" knew and could recite many Muong folk tales such as "The Story of Nga and Hai Moi," "Ho Lieu - Ut Lot," etc. Whenever people went to plant rice under the scorching summer sun, her singing would be like a cool stream of water, making them forget their fatigue.

Today, in the fast-paced modern life, Muong folk songs are at risk of disappearing. Those who know how to sing them are mainly middle-aged and elderly. Recognizing the importance of this heritage, the Party committees and authorities in the Muong regions are creating conditions for the establishment of Muong singing clubs and encouraging exchanges between regions. They are also paying attention to proposing and awarding the title of "Outstanding Artisan" to those who have made positive contributions. The former Hoa Binh province currently has 44 artisans who have been considered for the title of "Outstanding Artisan," including 3 artisans who sing the Thuong Dang and Bo Meng folk songs of the Muong ethnic group.

Performing Muong folk songs in a traditional stilt house.

The artisans play a crucial role in "keeping the flame alive" and "passing on" the passion to future generations. In recent years, three outstanding artisans – Dinh Thi Thao (Ky Son ward), Bach Thi Dao (Nat Son commune), and Quach Thi Lon (Dai Dong commune) – have opened free classes to teach Muong folk singing to students. Singing competitions and exchanges are organized within the community, between different Muong regions, and at traditional festivals. The melodies still resonate in the Muong villages, and passionate individuals like Bui Huy Vong and Bui Van Nom are enthusiastically collecting and recording folk tunes to spread traditional values ​​in modern life.

Folklorist Bui Huy Vong, owner of the YouTube channel "Vong Bui TV" with 32,800 subscribers, shared: "Since 2019, I and a number of passionate individuals have organized about 30 exchange events, attracting more than 100 core artisans singing Muong folk songs; recording and uploading over 3,200 videos to social media. With a high number of views and interactions, this has contributed to spreading ethnic culture in the digital space."

Driven by a passion for ethnic culture, many Muong folk singing clubs have been established and are actively operating, bringing together many famous singers from across the Muong villages. In the Muong Vang region alone – formerly Lac Son district – there are 10 clubs, notably the Muong Khu and Bai Chim clubs. The people hope for continued support and policies to encourage the singing of Thuong Rang and Bo Meng – a vibrant cultural heritage, a source of nourishment for the soul and spirit of the Muong people – to endure like the breath and the very essence of the Muong land and sky.

Cam Le

Source: https://baophutho.vn/ban-muong-ngan-vang-lan-dieu-thuong-rang-bo-meng-237306.htm