Sowing the soul of the homeland through each vọng cổ verse

For nearly 30 years, composer Huynh Van Len - pen name Quang Chinh - a native of Thoai Son, An Giang has devoted all his heart and soul, leaving his mark through hundreds of traditional songs and excerpts from reformed opera. His works praise his homeland and country, like a cool river in the souls of many generations of Western audiences.

Each song is full of love for the homeland

Born in Thoai Son, Huynh Van Len grew up with the sound of the wind blowing through the fields, the rhythm of pounding rice on moonlit nights, and the melodious songs on the river. Those memories soon planted in him a love for reformed opera. He recalls: “Back then, whenever there was a reformed opera troupe performing in the village, I would go even if I had to walk several kilometers. I sat under the bamboo benches, listening to each verse of the vọng cổ as if hypnotized. I secretly borrowed an old notebook, copied it by hand to memorize. Unexpectedly, from that passion, I later became destined for the work of a composer.”

Taking the stage name Quang Chinh, he both composed and collaborated with many art units in An Giang, Dong Thap, Can Tho, Kien Giang . In nearly 30 years, he has written more than 100 traditional songs, new traditional love songs, and reformed opera excerpts imbued with love for the homeland and country; more than 30 songs for local events, compiled and staged more than 30 stage skits for units. Notably, there is the traditional song "Hoa chung noi nho" written about Uncle Ho and Uncle Ton during the Dai Lai composition camp, Vinh Phuc province in 2013; "Chieu tim Tra Su" was written during the Tinh Bien composition camp in 2018. Including the folk song "Ve vien que huong Bac Ton" composed in 2012, which won second place in the Campaign to compose new lyrics for 20 Southern amateur music pieces, vọng cổ songs and cải lương pieces - Responding to the campaign to build new rural areas organized by the Department of Culture - Sports and Tourism of Ho Chi Minh City.

Playwright Quang Chinh (right cover) with members of An Giang Theater Association.

In the works of composer Quang Chinh, one can easily see familiar images of the West: golden ripe rice fields, canals sparkling in the sunlight, the sound of chickens calling back to the kitchen at noon... simple but imbued with love for the countryside. He often chooses themes about ordinary people: farmers clinging to the land, girls keeping their vows, or mothers working hard to raise their children. Many excerpts written by him were staged at festivals in the West, bringing awards and love from the public. What is precious is that he does not embellish, but truthfully portrays the people of the countryside - resilient, loyal, and affectionate. Artist Dang Quynh, who has sung many of his traditional songs, shared: “In Quang Chinh's works, I feel the closeness. The lyrics are easy to get into, when I sing, I see the image of my homeland appear before my eyes. After listening, the audience often shed tears because they see themselves in them.”

Stick with traditional music

His office always smells of ink and paper. Thick manuscripts are neatly arranged. He smiles gently: “I am used to writing by hand on student notebooks. As I write, I cross out and erase. Only when I see the words match the rhythm of vọng cổ do I feel at peace. Sometimes I write a sentence over and over again before I am satisfied.” The manuscript pages covered with handwriting, the sleepless nights editing each rhythm, all prove that his love for art has never faded. His friends call him “the golden pen” not only because of the large number of works, but also because of his bright mind and rare perseverance. He confided: “Cải lương to me is not just a job, but a career. It is the breath of my homeland. As long as I am healthy, I will continue to write. Even if only one audience listens, I still find it worthwhile.”

Mr. Doan Phuoc Loc, Head of the Stage Association, An Giang Province Literature and Arts Association, commented: “Mr. Quang Chinh not only writes a lot, but also writes deeply, rooted in the lives of farmers. His works help preserve local cultural identity, while also inspiring pride in the younger generation. Most of his emotions are close to life, imbued with regional literature and culture, such as the purple afternoon in Tra Su or the song about Uncle Ton."

Many colleagues share that their admiration for composer Quang Chinh is not the number of works, but his perseverance. For nearly 30 years, he has sat down at his desk to write every day. In the midst of the difficulties of Cai Luong, he remained steadfast. He once said late one night, when I was sitting next to him, that: “The name Quang Chinh may be forgotten, but I believe the songs I write will remain in the hearts of listeners. That is the greatest happiness of a composer's life.”

BAO PHONG

Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/geo-hon-que-qua-tung-cau-vong-co-a191564.html