When the stage showed a video filmed in 1993, of musician Thanh Tung sitting at the piano playing and singing "The Old Path We Return To," time seemed to stand still. He passed away eight years ago, but it felt as if he were still here.
Thanh Lam at the concert commemorating musician Thanh Tung - Photo: Organizing Committee
The Ho Guom Theatre was packed on the nights of January 11th and 12th. The Thanh Tung Legacy Of Love live concert featured a classical crossover style, combining the Sun Symphony Orchestra with over 70 artists and the modern sound of the Son Thach electronic band.
This is the first time the composer's most representative works have been performed in this format, reminding the audience of another aspect of Thanh Tung's legacy.
That was the period when he served as conductor and composer for the Vietnam National Radio Orchestra and Ho Chi Minh City Television.
Nguyen Ngoc Anh has a thin, sensual voice, but it doesn't seem to quite "match" classical and crossover electronic music, which require a fuller, richer voice.
Lan Nha and Nguyen Ngoc Anh perform " The Old Path We Return To".
Opening with " Dewdrop on Eyelids," the song lacked its original vibrancy. Ngoc Anh also collaborated with Lan Nha on " The Old Path We Return To" and performed a solo with the orchestra on " Lonely Star ."
Perhaps the most anticipated singer was Thanh Lam. Many breathed a sigh of relief because the artist toned down her technical skills and delivered a performance that was both subtle and deeply moving, accurately conveying the music of the late composer.
Shedding the freshness of over 30 years ago, Thanh Lam is now truly romantic and experienced with songs like "Em và tôi" (You and I), "Hoa tím ngoài sân" (Purple Flowers in the Yard), and "Giọt nắng bên thềm" (A Drop of Sunlight on the Threshold ). It's just a pity that Lam sings so little; her performances still don't quite satisfy the ears.
Lan Nha truly embodies the essence of a gentleman singing love songs, elegant and sophisticated with songs like "Farewell to Summer," "The Cuckoo's Song," and "Yellow Chrysanthemum ." "The Cuckoo's Song" is his best, sung with poignant emotion and sentiment.
Thanh Tung Legacy Of Love features the Sun Symphony Orchestra with over 70 artists and state-of-the-art sound from the electronic band Son Thach.
Credit must be given to composer Tran Manh Hung for his arrangement, which is imbued with a classical crossover atmosphere that is both academic and yet accessible and easy to listen to.
The concert featured not only vocal performances but also instrumental pieces such as "Love Without Borders," the film "The Upside Down Card Game , " "Alone," "Singing with the Little Cricket, " etc. Luong Khanh Nhi performed a piano solo of " Counting Leaves in the Yard ," and Quyen Thien Dac performed a saxophone solo of "A Heart That Doesn't Sleep."
But my favorite is "If I Die, Bury Me with My Guitar ," perhaps not many times have Thanh Tung's audience had the chance to hear this piece performed in an orchestral style.
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/nhac-si-thanh-tung-van-o-dau-day-20250113100117489.htm
