In recent years, many artists pursuing traditional music have been seeking to revitalize their approach to the public, especially on digital platforms. The trend of combining traditional musical instruments with modern musical language and visuals is seen as a way to expand the vitality of traditional cultural values ​​in contemporary life.

In this context, Meritorious Artist Duong Thuy Anh, a erhu (Chinese two-stringed fiddle) instructor at the Hanoi College of Arts, has just introduced a new music project titled "Horses on the Clouds," scheduled for release on digital platforms from May 18, 2026. The work continues to demonstrate the artist's efforts to bring the erhu out of its familiar performance space, reaching younger audiences through visually rich and emotionally resonant forms of expression.

Meritorious Artist Duong Thuy Anh performs with the two-stringed fiddle (dan nhi).

Inspired by the mountainous landscapes of Northern Vietnam, the video was filmed in Ha Giang (Tuyen Quang province), featuring iconic landmarks such as Ma Pi Leng Pass, Nho Que River, and Dong Van Stone Plateau. The mountainous scenery, rivers, and highland roads are utilized as part of the storytelling, giving the work a cinematic feel.

The most notable aspect of "Horses on the Clouds" lies in its musical arrangement. The two-stringed fiddle (erhu) is placed at the center, rather than merely playing a decorative role in the overall orchestration. Against the backdrop of composer Luu Quang Minh's harmony, the sound of the erhu is explored with various nuances, from powerful and intense to deep and narrative. The characteristic performance techniques of the traditional instrument are combined with modern sound construction to create a more intimate listening experience.

The artwork "Horses on the Clouds" will be uploaded to a digital platform.

The visual aspect of the project was handled by cinematographer Hai Le Cao. Images of the artists amidst vast mountain and forest landscapes or on highland roads contribute to a sense of expansiveness, while also reflecting the enduring journey of the artists in pursuing traditional musical instruments in modern musical life.

According to Meritorious Artist Duong Thuy Anh, she hopes that the two-stringed fiddle will not only be recognized as a traditional instrument, but also become an artistic medium suitable for contemporary times. This is also the direction the female artist has persistently pursued for many years through projects such as the album "Oh, the Flute" (2007), the project "Listening," and the music video "Crossing the Forest" (2023).

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/van-hoa/giai-tri/dua-dan-nhi-len-khong-gian-so-1039731