Every spring, when the forests of Northwest Vietnam burst into bloom with white bauhinia flowers and a thin mist still lingers on the mountain slopes, the villages bustle with the spirit of the festival season. The sound of the bamboo flute resonates through the land like a call to the season, a call to lovers, awakening in people the joy of life and hope for new beginnings. From this rich cultural space, the song "The Sound of the Bamboo Flute in Spring" was born as a bright symphony, carrying the breath of the mountains and forests and the optimistic spirit and enduring resilience of its author, composer Hoang Ngoc Chan.
For composer Hoang Ngoc Chan, spring in Northwest Vietnam is beautiful not only because of its natural scenery but also because of the rich spiritual life of the ethnic communities. Therefore, when composing "The Sound of the Flute in Spring," he not only recreated a vibrant spring scene but also conveyed the spirit of community and the joy of life that is so characteristic of the people of the highlands.
The song is built upon the folk music of Northwest Vietnam, notably featuring the melodies of the Thai ethnic group, flexibly combined with some characteristic melodies of the H'Mong people. The simple melody and graceful rhythm vividly recreate the atmosphere of the spring festival in the highlands: the rhythmic gong sounds, the lively flared skirts, the intoxicating wine, and the heartfelt promises of love.
Sharing about the circumstances surrounding the creation of the song, the composer said that "The Sound of the Flute in Spring" was inspired by very ordinary spring outings with his family.
Composer Ngoc Chan shared: "During my travels through the villages of Northwest Vietnam at the beginning of the year, I was immersed in the traditional festivals of the Tay, Thai, Mong, and Dao ethnic groups… Each festival has its own unique character, but they all share a common vibrancy and warmth. Familiar activities like throwing the 'con' (a type of ball) and working in the fields… left a deep impression on me, becoming the emotional material for creating songs."
Through this work, the musician wishes to introduce a very unique spring season of Northwest Vietnam, while also conveying a message to tourists: come to Northwest Vietnam in spring once to fully appreciate the beauty of the land and sky, the festivals, and the simple, sincere people of the highlands.
Behind the vibrant and cheerful melody of "Spring Flute Sound" lies the challenging life story of the composer himself. Born in 1986 in the pearl-rich land of Luc Yen, musician Hoang Ngoc Chan suffered from congenital hemolytic anemia since childhood. His childhood was intertwined with hospitals, with blood transfusions and dialysis treatments to sustain his life. For nearly four decades, his life has been extended by the "drops of loving kindness" from voluntary blood donors.
And it was music that became his spiritual anchor, helping him overcome those painful and self-conscious days. His love for art was nurtured early on, when he followed his father backstage. His father – a former artist in the Northwest Military Region's performing arts troupe – was the one who instilled in him a love for music, a spirit of dedication, and faith in the value of art.
As his health gradually stabilized, Hoang Ngoc Chan began to try his hand at songwriting. His songs about his homeland and the Northwest region gradually formed his own unique musical style, deeply rooted in contemporary folk music and reflecting the cultural identity of the highlands.
"The Spring Flute" is one of the representative works, a culmination of the life experiences, cultural experiences, and artistic experiences of this resilient musician.
Not only did the song touch the emotions of listeners, but it also received high praise from experts. Musician Nguyen Ha Thanh - Chairman of the Vietnam Musicians Association branch in Lao Cai province, said that this is a work with a clear structure, using folk elements appropriately and naturally expressing the regional cultural spirit.
Composer Nguyen Ha Thanh stated: "The noteworthy aspect of the song lies in the author's respectful and knowledgeable approach to Northwest Vietnamese folk music, while simultaneously demonstrating a serious, decent, and sincere attitude towards life and work."
Alongside his persistent artistic work, Hoang Ngoc Chan has gradually affirmed his position with many award-winning works at both the national and local levels. Notable examples include: "The Promise of the Northwest" winning the B prize at the Vietnam Musicians Association Award at the 2024 National Music Festival; "Homeland's Xoe Dance" winning the B prize at the 2023 Yen Bai Provincial Literature and Arts Award… "The Sound of the Flute in Spring" was awarded the C prize at the 2025 Vietnam Musicians Association Award, marking a significant step forward in his creative journey.
These awards are not only recognition for individual works, but also proof of the serious and persistent professional development of a musician deeply committed to contemporary folk music and indigenous culture.
Therefore, "The Spring Flute" is not only a song about the spring of the homeland, but also the spring of the musician himself - the spring of faith, resilience, and the aspiration to live fully with art.
Source: https://baolaocai.vn/khuc-nhac-goi-xuan-ve-post893122.html
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