Gaining a deeper understanding of an epic.

The four great victories in the Tam Vu area, now part of Thanh Xuan commune, Can Tho city, from 1946 to 1948, are a glorious chapter in the history of our army and people on the battlefield of Zone 9. Among them was the Battle of Tam Vu 3 in 1947, commanded by Zone Commander Huynh Phan Ho. Inspired by this heroic victory, composer Dac Nhan wrote the music overnight, and the next day he had composer and singer Quoc Huong write the lyrics. Quoc Huong was also the first to perform the song "Tam Vu," giving wings to this heroic anthem, inspiring the entire nation. And stories about the song are still told today, allowing future generations to better understand and be proud of the history, the land, and the people who created this heroic epic.

Mr. Nguyen Van Tan talks about the original lyrics of the song "Tam Vu," which are on display at the Tam Vu Victory Monument. Photo: Ly Loc

The vitality of "Tam Vu"

According to Mr. Nguyen Van Tan, a tour guide at the Tam Vu Victory Monument, there have been at least four versions of this song throughout history, commonly including: "How heroic, Tam Vu, renowned for the heroes of Vietnam"; "How heroic, Tam Vu, here and there, resounding victories"; "How heroic, Tam Vu, renowned for the majestic national army"... and one version that begins with a story about a heroic general: "How heroic, Tam Vu, renowned for the majestic General Huynh." "Previously, the version displayed here was the one with the lyrics 'renowned for the heroes of Vietnam.' Later, many groups of artists, including musician Pham Tuyen, visited the monument. Many suggested that 'How heroic, Tam Vu, renowned for the majestic General Huynh' was the original lyrics composed by musician and singer Quoc Huong to music by musician Dac Nhan, so they proposed displaying the original version," Mr. Tan recounted.

After the story, as if compelled by something, Mr. Tan opened his phone, played the song, and hummed along. The legendary voice of the late People's Artist Quoc Huong echoed through the exhibition hall like the sound of a mighty army charging into battle in ancient times. He recounted that his father taught him each line, and he had memorized the song since childhood. "Now, I often sing this song to introduce and promote the site to tourists, and to tell them about the heroic deeds of General Huynh. Many people are very moved!" the tour guide, who has been associated with the Tam Vu historical site for nearly 30 years, confided.

According to information from the Can Tho City Library, General Huynh Phan Ho, whose real name was Phan Trong Ho, was from Ba Cang, Vinh Long. In 1947, after the Battle of Tam Vu 3, he died in a battle against the French on the road from Phung Hiep to Soc Trang.

Regarding the year this song was composed, there is conflicting information. In a previous music commentary program, composer Truong Quang Luc recounted that composer Dac Nhan wrote the song in 1947, when he was in charge of music for the Political Department of Zone 9. Some other sources suggest the song was composed in 1948. However, in the flow of history, what is more important than the time of composition is the enduring value of the work to Vietnamese revolutionary music and in the hearts of the public.

The pride will last forever.

Meritorious Artist Minh Tho (real name Nguyen Thanh The), residing in O Mon ward, Can Tho city, shared: “I am very proud that O Mon has many talented people in the arts. For example, musician Dac Nhan. I remember him writing the song "Tam Vu" after our great victory, which brought fame throughout the battlefield.” Then, the elderly artist, inspired, sang aloud, “How heroic Tam Vu is…” His eyes sparkled with fire. He seemed to relive his youth, performing with the performing arts troupe across the battlefields to serve the people and soldiers. It was a time when singing drowned out the sound of bombs.

In the heart of O Mon ward, there is now a street named after the talented musician. The official document regarding the naming of the street, issued in 2012, includes a biography stating that: Musician Dac Nhan, whose real name was Pham Dac Nhan, was born in 1923 in Thoi Thanh, O Mon district, Can Tho province (formerly). As a child, he studied the zither with musician Hai Cu and received his education from the father of musician Luu Huu Phuoc, a famous musician also born and raised in O Mon.

Mr. Ngo Minh Thi, Director of the Culture, Sports and Broadcasting Center of O Mon Ward, Can Tho City, affirmed that he, like the people of O Mon, is very proud that their hometown has many talented musicians such as Luu Huu Phuoc, Tran Kiet Tuong, Trieu Dang, and Dac Nhan. Among them, the song "Tam Vu" by musician Dac Nhan serves both as a historical document and instills in the public a sense of pride in the tradition of fighting invaders and defending the homeland. He shared: "Amidst this pride, the younger generation of composers like myself strives to develop and continue the musical tradition of our predecessors. Our compositions mainly praise tradition, express love for the homeland in the era of integration, and express faith in the nation's progress."

After 1954, composer Dac Nhan, along with many soldiers and musicians from Southern Vietnam, relocated to the North and created many more valuable musical works. He passed away in 1989 in Ho Chi Minh City. Among his repertoire of over 50 songs and a large volume of music for Cai Luong (Vietnamese traditional opera), "Tam Vu" remains one of the most prominent hallmarks of this talented composer. Beyond the lyrics and melody, it embodies love for his homeland, national pride, and a deep-seated spirit that has permeated the land and hearts of the people of Can Tho for generations.

Elegant

Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/hieu-them-mot-ban-hung-ca-a198066.html