Born into a family with a tradition of singing Ví and Rang folk songs, from a young age, she listened to the melodious and heartfelt tunes echoing during festivals, Tet (Lunar New Year), or on moonlit nights in the peaceful Muong villages. These sounds deeply permeated the soul of young Ha Thi Song, becoming an indispensable part of her life.
Distinguished artisan Ha Thi Song.
In 1968, while serving as the Chairwoman of the Women's Union in Lai Dong commune, Ms. Song actively participated in community activities while also dedicating time to learning from the elders in the village. She traveled to every hamlet and every house to record, collect, and learn the singing and improvisational techniques of their ancestors, hoping to preserve and protect the Ví and Rang melodies – distinctive spiritual and cultural values of the Muong people of Phu Tho .
Thanks to her rich vocabulary and innate improvisational skills, Mrs. Song can sing and compose Rang and Ví songs in any situation. From village festivals and wedding ceremonies to housewarming parties and local propaganda events, she can always sing sweet, witty, and creative songs.
She composed many Rang songs praising her homeland and country, promoting population control, congratulating her new daughter-in-law, or celebrating the locality receiving the title of Hero of the People's Armed Forces. Her songs all reflect contemporary life, yet remain deeply rooted in the Muong identity, captivating listeners.
Distinguished artisan Ha Thi Song introduces her newly composed song "Rang" to cultural officials of Lai Dong commune.
Rang enthusiastically sang his newly composed song, "Rang," praising the prosperous country.
Sharing her secrets to singing Ví and Rang folk songs, the distinguished artist Hà Thị Sóng said: “When singing, the artist must demonstrate the ability to use vocal embellishments, articulate words, emphasize certain parts, take breaths, and hold their breath so that the song has soul and is in tune. The sounds must flow seamlessly, without interruption, creating a soft, smooth voice – reflecting the very soul of the Mường people embedded in each lyric.” For her, each melody is not just music , but also the voice of the heart, the culture, and the spiritual life of an entire community.
Through the ups and downs of life, Rang and Ví folk songs have become her confidants, helping her overcome difficulties and challenges. At 80 years old, she still maintains a clear, sweet voice and is always ready to teach them to her children, grandchildren, and the younger generation in the village. The pages of her notebooks, meticulously filled with ancient lyrics, singing techniques, and improvisational methods, are a precious treasure trove of information that she has dedicated herself to preserving, with the hope that " the sounds of Rang and Ví folk songs will forever resonate in our Mường homeland."
Artisan Ha Thi Song shares her experience in singing Vi and Rang songs with her children and grandchildren.
For her significant contributions to the preservation and promotion of the intangible cultural heritage of the Muong ethnic group, in 2019, Ms. Ha Thi Song was awarded the title of "Outstanding Artisan" by the State, recognizing a lifetime of quiet yet persistent dedication.
Even now, amidst the changes of modern life, her voice still resonates with simplicity and sincerity, evoking beautiful memories of her homeland and village. Ms. Song is not only a keeper of the flame for traditional Rang and Ví folk songs, but also a symbol of love for culture and pride of the Muong ethnic group in her culturally rich homeland of Phu Tho.
Le Thuong
Source: https://baophutho.vn/ca-doi-giu-lua-vi-rang-241362.htm
