Composer Pham Tuyen - Photo: GĐCC
It's as if Uncle Ho was present on the 50th anniversary of the great victory , which also marks 50 years of peace and national reunification for Vietnam.
The two words "As if Uncle Ho were present" resonated deeply within Pham Tuyen's life, both on the day of the great victory and throughout his entire life.
When he was still healthy, composer Pham Tuyen once confided that he wrote "As if Uncle Ho were present" on the night of the great victory , April 28, 1975, on the balcony of a collective housing building in Khuong Thuong, Hanoi, upon hearing the news that our army had captured Tan Son Nhat airport.
Although the day of complete victory and reunification had not yet arrived, and he did not know exactly when it would come, guided by the intuition of an artist, he wrote:
"As if Uncle Ho were present on this joyous day of great victory / His words have now become a glorious triumph / 30 years of struggle / To win back the integrity of the nation / 30 years of democratic republic / The resistance has succeeded."
Journalist Pham Hong Tuyen, the musician's daughter, shared with Tuoi Tre Online that on several occasions when talking about this song, her father said he "composed it in about two hours, but it was combined with his whole life."
The song "As if Uncle Ho were present on the day of great victory" - Archival photo
This means the song is the result of the pent-up emotions, repression, and anticipation of a 20-year-long resistance struggle.
After the composer finished writing the song, it was quickly arranged and recorded with a symphony orchestra in time for broadcast in the special news program at 5:30 PM on April 30, 1975, for the whole country to hear.
A few days ago, a member of the orchestra from that time called the composer's family because, as April 30th approached, those memories from years ago came flooding back vividly.
"She recounted that on the day of the great victory, as if Uncle Ho were present , the entire orchestra erupted in emotion, playing music while weeping," Ms. Tuyen said.
Pham Tuyen said that he composed the song "As if Uncle Ho were present on the day of great victory" stemming from personal feelings, but believed that it also resonated with the feelings of the people nationwide.
The musician considers the song the greatest reward in his songwriting career. Among the hundreds of songs he has written, "As if Uncle Ho were present on the day of great victory" is also the most unforgettable memory.
Father and son Pham Tuyen and Pham Hong Tuyen - Photo: Provided by the interviewee
The song portrays a "musician of the people".
Ms. Tuyen said that during important national events, "As if Uncle Ho were present on the day of great victory" is played again. His music has portrayed him as a "musician of the people".
"The song's vitality transcends the context of the end of the war and national reunification, becoming a symbol of pride and the aspiration for peace of all Vietnamese people," Ms. Tuyen shared.
As a child, she heard people sing " As if Uncle Ho were present on the day of great victory ." Growing up, going to school, and working, she was happy when people said, "She is the daughter of composer Pham Tuyen, who composed 'As if Uncle Ho were present on the day of great victory '."
When the Vietnamese national football team wins, people still sing this song. The song is also very familiar to international friends because it contains the line "Vietnam , Ho Chi Minh ." Hearing the lyrics, you immediately know it's Vietnam.
As if Uncle Ho were present on the day of the great victory (recorded at 2 PM on April 30, 1975)
And recently, many people sent their families clips showing citizens singing this song loudly while watching the rehearsal for the parade celebrating the 50th anniversary of national reunification.
"The affection for him comes not only from organizations and groups but also from ordinary people who love him and his songs. Especially on April 30th this year, the number of people inquiring about him is even higher because 'As if Uncle Ho were present on the day of the great victory' is celebrating its 50th anniversary."
Ms. Tuyen recounted that when she visited him, some people brought flowers, others brought bird's nest, and some gave him bags of cassava starch... wishing him good health in a warm and friendly manner.
"Not every musician has the happiness that my father had. Thank you to all generations of audiences who have loved and listened to my father's music, composer Pham Tuyen," she shared.
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/nhu-co-bac-trong-ngay-dai-thang-tron-50-tuoi-2-tieng-than-toc-and-ca-cuoc-doi-pham-tuyen-20250429143552865.htm
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