Preserving the soul of the five-tone musical scale.

On a weekend afternoon, we visited Soc Sau Pagoda in Go Quao commune. Amidst the light rain, the sounds of the Khmer people's stringed instruments, drums, and horns resonated with lively rhythms. Under the dedicated guidance of Mr. Danh Nghiep, the children enthusiastically practiced, immersing themselves in the sounds of the five-tone music.

Mr. Danh Nghiep is instructing the children in playing the five-tone musical instrument. Photo: TIEU DIEN

Passion for traditional music

Danh Nghiep, residing in An Phu hamlet, Go Quao commune, was born and raised in a family with a tradition in the arts. Living near a temple, Nghiep's childhood was filled with temple festivals and performances of traditional Vietnamese five-tone music. The gentle, melodious tunes of this music deeply touched his soul. His love and passion for this music grew over the years. At the age of 17, Nghiep followed the monks at the temple to learn to play the instrument. He continuously strived to learn and practice.

After a few years, Mr. Nghiep became proficient in playing all the instruments in the five-tone orchestra and has been involved with it for over 7 years. Currently, Mr. Nghiep is the Chairman of the Khmer Arts Club in An Phu hamlet. Mr. Nghiep shared: "Learning the five-tone orchestra is not easy; to play it well, you need perseverance, diligent practice, and a love for this instrument."

Beyond his passion, Nghiệp also has a heartfelt desire to preserve the cultural identity of his people. At the age of 26, he is constantly worried about the potential disappearance of traditional musical instruments. He hopes that the younger generation can continue and develop the five-tone music tradition, passing it down from generation to generation. In 2022, Nghiệp opened a free five-tone music class for children at Sóc Sâu Pagoda. The journey of preserving traditional cultural identity for this young man began.

Every weekend afternoon, Mr. Nghiep dedicates his time to teaching the children. In his free time, he also teaches five-tone music at Khmer temples in the commune. Besides teaching five-tone music, Mr. Nghiep also teaches traditional Khmer dances. "I am willing to share and pass on my experience to the children, those who have a passion and love for five-tone music," Mr. Nghiep expressed.

Mr. Nghiep's efforts in preserving the traditional Khmer five-stringed instrument are commendable and worthy of praise. In 2025, Mr. Nghiep was awarded a certificate of merit by the Director of the Department of Culture and Sports for his excellent achievements in preserving and promoting the traditional art of the Khmer people in the province.

Passing the torch to the younger generation.

With Mr. Nghiep's dedication and perseverance, the small music class at Soc Sau Pagoda is not only a beneficial playground but also contributes to nurturing and passing on traditional culture to the younger generation. Amidst the lively sounds of the five-tone music every weekend, the children enthusiastically learn to play the instruments. Currently, Mr. Nghiep's five-tone music class at Soc Sau Pagoda has 16 students, the youngest being 10 years old. These children are also members of the pagoda's five-tone music team, often performing at festivals and cultural events in the area. Mr. Nghiep shared: "The children all have a love for five-tone music, a passionate spirit of learning, diligence, and hard work in practicing. That is the joy and motivation for me to continue my journey of preserving and promoting the traditional cultural identity of the Khmer people."

Thanks to the free five-tone music lessons, many children who love this type of music have a place to practice. Danh Thi Bich Thi, residing in An Tho hamlet, Go Quao commune, expressed: “When I first started playing the instrument, it was very difficult. Thanks to Mr. Nghiep's dedicated teaching, playing each basic note, after two years of learning, I can now play several instruments proficiently. I learned many good things and was inspired to continue preserving and developing the traditional art and culture of our nation.”

Sharing a passion for playing traditional Vietnamese five-tone music, Danh Minh, a resident of An Tho hamlet, attends the class regularly every weekend. "Before, when I went to the temple, I saw the older students playing music and I really liked it. I've been studying for almost two years and know how to play a few instruments. Later, if I have the opportunity, I will open a class like Mr. Nghiep's to teach the younger children," Danh Minh confided.

As dusk fell, we left Soc Sau Pagoda, the sounds of the five-tone music still echoing, as if to express the determination of the young people who are preserving and protecting the traditional musical instruments of the Khmer people.

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Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/giu-hon-nhac-ngu-am-a466659.html