People's Artist Ngoc Giau choked up remembering the late Professor, Dr. Tran Van Khe

(NLDO) - "I still hear the sound of Mr. Khe's zither...", she burst into tears when watching a report about him on the small screen.

People's Artist Ngoc Giau and Professor Tran Van Khe

Over the past few days, VTV 4 has broadcast a documentary about Professor Tran Van Khe, and People's Artist Ngoc Giau watched it and shared her genuine feelings about the teacher of many generations of traditional artisans and artists.

In the memory of People's Artist Ngoc Giau, the image of the late Professor, Doctor Tran Van Khe is that of a master of traditional Vietnamese music and a kindred spirit who supported her throughout her artistic journey.

Artist Ngoc Giau and her memories with the zither from years past.

People's Artist Ngoc Giau tearfully recounted that she had visited the late Professor Tran Van Khe many times at his house at 32 Huynh Dinh Hai Street, Binh Thanh District – where Professor Tran Van Khe lived during his final years and organized many seminars on traditional Vietnamese music.

People's Artist Ngoc Giau and other artists visited Professor Tran Van Khe on July 24, 2014.

He warmly welcomed her, then unexpectedly picked up his familiar zither to accompany her performance of "Dạ cổ hoài lang" by the late composer Cao Văn Lầu. In the cozy atmosphere, the sound of the zither blended with her singing, and she felt as if she had returned to the roots of cải lương (Vietnamese traditional opera) – a place they both cherished and loved throughout their lives.

"Those were moments I will never forget. Teacher Khe played the instrument, I sang, as if an invisible thread connected us to the history of cải lương (Vietnamese traditional opera) and folk music," she shared emotionally.

Ngoc Giau will always remember the advice of a master.

Beyond just musical memories, what truly resonated with People's Artist Ngoc Giau were the heartfelt words of advice from the late Professor Tran Van Khe.

He once urged her to remain devoted to traditional theater, to live, perform, and contribute with all her heart. He learned that later, due to circumstances and health issues, she would participate less in cải lương (Vietnamese traditional opera) performances and instead focus on comedy, television, and film.

From left to right: Professor Tran Quang Hai, Professor Tran Van Khe, People's Artist Ngoc Giau and director Mai The Hiep

"My teacher told me that an artist must set an example for the younger generation, leaving behind a flame of passion so that they can continue on the path of national art. Occasionally, I must return to Cai Luong (Vietnamese traditional opera). Comedy is just my weak point, and I always remind myself of that whenever I step onto the stage or pass on my skills to the younger generation," – People's Artist Ngoc Giau confided.

Ngoc Giau strives to be a shining example for the next generation of artists.

The image of the late Professor Tran Van Khe, with his profound knowledge and boundless love for traditional music, has become a spiritual anchor for many generations of artists.

For People's Artist Ngoc Giau, he was not only a researcher and educator , but also a companion who made each song and melody more profound. "Even today, whenever I sing 'Da Co Hoai Lang,' I feel as if he is still sitting there, beside his zither, smiling and listening," she said, her voice choked with emotion.

People's Artist Ngoc Giau's tribute to the late Professor Tran Van Khe is an artist's nostalgic remembrance of a teacher, a testament to the enduring vitality of traditional art.

"His teachings are being continued and spread, so that the light of the national stage will never fade," said People's Artist Ngoc Giau.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/nsnd-ngoc-giau-nghen-ngao-nho-ve-co-gs-ts-tran-van-khe-196250906074841363.htm