People's Artist Quang Thọ expressed his admiration for pianist Cường Tống.

People's Artist Quang Thọ, who has a special connection with the family of pianist Cường Tống, shared his assessment of the musician's talent and his admiration for the composer who recently returned to Vietnam to pursue his career after living in China for 13 years.

After more than a decade of studying and pursuing his artistic career in China, pianist, composer, and music producer Song Deqiang (Cuong Tong) has just released his debut mini-album , "Musical Memories ." This event marks a significant turning point in his creative journey and reaffirms his decision to return to his homeland to begin a new phase in his career.

Cuong Tong and his wife at the event.

The musical retrospective comprises five instrumental pieces: Love Waltz, Listening to the Sea, Fire, Autumn, and Childhood Memories , structured around the five elements: Metal, Water, Fire, Wood, and Earth. The pieces are closely linked, forming an emotional journey: from passionate love, separation, and internal conflict to letting go and returning to one's roots. This is also the true story of Cuong Tong himself – an artist who left his homeland and found creative inspiration upon his return.

At the album launch, People's Artist Quang Thọ, who has a special connection with the musician's family, shared his insightful assessment of Cường Tống's talent.

People's Artist Quang Thọ (second from the right) congratulates artist Cường Tống.

He said he studied with musician Duc Minh - Cuong Tong's father - at the music school and later worked with him at the Quang Ninh Performing Arts Troupe. This close relationship, spanning several decades, gave him the opportunity to observe both generations of artists in this family.

"When I went to Hanoi to continue my studies and returned to the Vietnam National Opera and Ballet Theatre, my youngest son and Cuong Tong studied together at the Hanoi Conservatory of Music. But this is the first time I've officially heard Cuong Tong's works," People's Artist Quang Tho shared.

What surprised him most was the young artist's creativity: "I recognized a true talent, even surpassing his father, the musician Duc Minh. His father had works in the musical 'Telling the Story of Thach Sanh,' but looking back at Cuong Tong's work, it has far surpassed that."

He assessed "Musical Reflections" not just as a mini-album, as the author modestly called it, but actually as a major instrumental work with a unified structure and a seamless emotional arrangement: "It's well-rounded, neat, and reflects the tone of the times. Not every composer can achieve this."

Before returning to Vietnam, Cuong Tong spent 13 years working in China, participating in music production for more than 8 television and film productions, arranging and mixing nearly 80 songs, composing music for games and many major events. Some notable projects include Painted Skin: Love Affair (2024), The Young War God's Journey (2020), The Road to the Summer (2019), Three Kingdoms: The Unbeatable Warrior (2021)... His ability to compose film music is considered his particular strength.

Born into a family with a rich artistic tradition – the son of musician Duc Minh and the son-in-law of the late musician Chu Minh – Cuong Tong is considered a prominent young figure with a unique and creative mindset. With "Musical Memories ," he not only marks his return but also opens up long-term artistic projects for the future, especially in the field of film music – an area he aspires to introduce to the world.

Who is musician Cuong Tong – the man behind a series of popular films in China? In China, Cuong Tong – a Vietnamese producer and musician – has found a solid foothold and is sought after with many attractive offers.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/nsnd-quang-tho-than-phuc-nghe-si-piano-cuong-tong-2467599.html