The 'keeper of the flame' of folk songs from his homeland.

QTO - Born and raised in Mai Xa village, Gio Mai commune (now Cua Viet commune), Meritorious Artist Vu Manh Thi developed a deep love for the folk songs of his homeland. From his childhood, the melodies, chants, and sweet lullabies of his grandmother and mother deeply permeated his soul. This was his first precious cultural asset, motivating him to dedicate his life to collecting and preserving the invaluable treasure of folk songs from Quang Tri province.

Sounds from Mother Earth

In a small house in Mai Xa village, Cua Viet commune, we had the opportunity to meet and chat with Meritorious Artist Vu Manh Thi. Despite his advanced age, his eyes still shone with sharpness and enthusiasm. Born and raised in a land rich in cultural traditions, from his childhood, the lullabies and folk songs of his grandmother and mother, with their Binh Tri Thien folk melodies, have permeated his being and remained deeply rooted in the heart of artist Vu Manh Thi.

Growing up in the cradle of folk music in Binh Tri Thien, Vu Manh Thi has been involved in local cultural work in various roles, from composition to performance. “Whenever I hear the folk songs and melodies, I see the images of my mother and father, the scorching sun of Quang Tri , and the courage of the people of my homeland. It is these melodies that inspire me on my path of cultural work,” shared artisan Vu Manh Thi.

Distinguished artist Vu Manh Thi (on the right) shares his passion for folk music - Photo: AT

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, many traditional cultural values ​​are gradually fading away. This concern has driven Meritorious Artist Vu Manh Thi to dedicate all his efforts to preserving and promoting the invaluable heritage of his ancestors. For over 60 years, he has diligently collected, researched, and compiled dozens of folk melodies from Binh Tri Thien, especially Quang Tri folk songs, from lullabies to chants, songs, and verses. For him, each trip to the villages of Quang Tri is a journey of "sifting through sand to find gold."

“I remember times when I visited ancient villages, I would sit and chat with the elders for days on end. It wasn't like they would remember everything immediately just by asking; I had to prompt them to recall memories, and I had to listen to them sing the songs repeatedly to pinpoint the most accurate rhythm and lyrics. Every time I managed to record a folk song or lullaby that I knew was in danger of disappearing, I felt incredibly happy and joyful,” recalled Meritorious Artist Vu Manh Thi.

The silent "flame keeper"

Not content with just preserving the traditions, Meritorious Artist Vu Manh Thi also diligently wrote new lyrics for the folk melodies of Quang Tri. Composing new lyrics based on ancient melodies is a difficult task, but he accomplished it with all his heart. Under his pen, the folk songs and chants take on new life. He became a source of inspiration for amateur performers – farmers and workers accustomed to plowing, farming, and machinery – empowering them to confidently sing on stage.

In 2015, Meritorious Artist Vu Manh Thi published the book "Homeland Fragrance, Love for Uncle Ho Dedicated to Life," which includes folk songs praising the image of President Ho Chi Minh, such as the folk song suite "His Example Shines Forever in My Heart," "Visiting Uncle Ho's Homeland," "Visiting Uncle Ho's Mausoleum," "A Folk Song I Sing About Him," "Spring Comes to Cua Viet as If Uncle Ho Were By Our Side," "The Truong Son Road Named After Uncle Ho…". The work won third prize in the "Studying and Following the Ideology, Morality, and Style of Ho Chi Minh " competition organized by the Central Propaganda Department.

In 2022, the folk song collection "Beloved Homeland on the Day of Return" by Meritorious Artist Vu Manh Thi was published to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the liberation of Quang Tri. Each folk melody in the collection not only expresses the heartfelt gratitude of a son towards the heroic land of Quang Tri, but also vividly portrays the transformation of Quang Tri after half a century of construction and development. The work won second prize in the Literature and Art competition on the theme "Quang Tri - 50 Years of Construction, Renovation and Development" (1972-2022), once again affirming the position, dedication, and enduring contributions of author Vu Manh Thi to the literary and artistic landscape of the province.

In 2024, Meritorious Artist Vu Manh Thi continued to release his heartfelt book titled "Lullabies of Quang Tri," a collection of lullabies with diverse themes: from sacred family feelings, parental advice to children, marital affection, and romantic love... In particular, the book also recreates the indomitable fighting spirit of the people of Quang Tri through lullabies about military mobilization during the wars against the French and Americans, as well as songs about the period of rebuilding the homeland. The book won the C Prize at the Quang Tri Provincial Literature and Arts Association Awards in 2024 and the third prize at the Vietnam Folk Arts Association Awards in December 2024.

“This is my debt of gratitude to my homeland, Quang Tri. I have dedicated my life to traveling and writing, but what worries me most is the desire for young mothers today to still know how to sing folk songs and melodies by the cradle. Because a child who grows up listening to their mother's lullabies will naturally and enduringly love their family and roots. I hope that these pages will reach the hands of young people and folk song clubs in the locality,” Meritorious Artist Vu Manh Thi confided.

Poet Nguyen Van Dung, former Chairman of the Provincial Association of Literature and Arts, always held Meritorious Artist Vu Manh Thi in special esteem: “The most valuable thing about Meritorious Artist Vu Manh Thi is not only his extensive knowledge, but also a heart that always beats in rhythm with the folk culture of his homeland. Amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life, his tireless efforts in collecting and setting new lyrics to dozens of folk melodies are truly commendable. His work is not simply a collection of folk art, but also a cultural document with high practical value, providing future generations with a solid foundation to understand, love, and continue to preserve the identity and character of the people of Quang Tri.”

At nearly 90 years old, Meritorious Artist Vu Manh Thi is still diligently composing. “I hope that in the future, the cultural sector will have more practical activities to help preserve folk songs for the younger generation. As long as I have my health, I will continue to be involved with Quang Tri folk music,” Meritorious Artist Vu Manh Thi added.

Snowlight

Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/van-hoa/202605/nguoi-giu-lua-khuc-hat-dan-ca-que-nha-3ea6816/