People's Artist The Hien 'burns' himself out for the Fatherland and youth

After more than a year fighting a serious illness, People's Artist The Hien passed away at the age of 70, leaving behind more than 40 years of dedication to the Fatherland and Vietnamese youth.

I know most of the musicians in the Ho Chi Minh City Music Association, but the person I am closest to is musician The Hien. Those were the days when we gathered around "Tam Mot" (81 Tran Quoc Thao, old District 3, Ho Chi Minh City), 25 years ago...

Musician The Hien in his youth. Photo: Document

When mentioning The Hien, people immediately think of songs written about soldiers, about the youth volunteer theme, about the Navy and islands... Therefore, People's Artist The Hien was once recognized by the Vietnam Record Organization (Vietkings) as "having composed and served the most in the armed forces", and was twice awarded the Medal "For the cause of protecting the sovereignty of the sea and islands of the Fatherland" by the Navy.

... and during an exchange with soldiers. Photo: Document

I still joke with Thế Hiển: "You often accidentally create records". Indeed, in addition to the "court-certified" record certificate issued by Vietkings, Thế Hiển is also known as the musician who wrote the most "brand songs" (nearly 100 songs) and even on his last trip to perform for Truong Sa soldiers (from May 4 to 13, 2018), he also accidentally set another record: Artist who went to Truong Sa to perform the most (6 times). Not only that, in 2018, Thế Hiển was honored by the People's Committee of Quang Ninh province and awarded a certificate of merit for the songs he composed specifically for Quang Ninh: Singing on the sea of ​​Tuần Châu, Remembering Hạ Long (poem by Nguyễn Công Nam), Afternoon Hạ Long (poem by Bùi Đức Ánh), Tuần Châu - Dao Ngọc tình yêu... In particular, the song Singing about you was also written at the border of Quảng Ninh.

Musician The Hien - a music diary writer. Photo: Document

As a member of the post-1975 generation of artists, after graduating from a vocal college, The Hien became a soloist of the Bong Sen Art Troupe. Since 1980, he has brought his singing to serve his compatriots at home and abroad, such as the northern border area, Siem Reap (Cambodia),

He went to Truong Sa archipelago 6 times (and has 12 songs about the Navy, islands...). Both a performing singer and a composer, he is the author of dozens of familiar songs: Nhanh lan rung, Toc em doi ga, Cho du co di noi dau, Doi cho trong con mua, Dau tang hoi, Nhong nhong nhong, Hoang hon mau tim, Thuong cam minh...

The Hien often told me about the origin of his compositions: The song " Toc em doi ga" was born when he was hit by a female student from Marie Curie school running in the opposite direction. Looking at the girl with teary eyes, he remembered the time when he was in school and often teased female students, memories of his adolescence. The song " No matter where I go " is associated with an event in his family. That year, his mother and siblings planned to go to the US for family reunification. One evening, he and his brother (musician The Vuong) wrote this song together. The next day was the anniversary of his father's death, the whole family gathered for the last time before parting, The Vuong and The Hien sang the above song. After listening, his mother withdrew her application and did not go anymore, she stayed in Vietnam until the end of her life. The song " Tieng conch sea" was from the time he returned from Truong Sa, collected a poem by a marine soldier and set it to music. He also brought back a rather large conch shell, sang and blew it to illustrate...

The Hien's music is not only limited to the themes of fighting, protecting and building the Fatherland, he is also very skillful with the light music genre with folk melodies. The music is good but the lyrics are very concise and clear, creating effects, stirring people's hearts like the songs: Mother and white frangipani (Northern folk melodies), Purple sunset (Southern folk melodies), Legendary My Son Night (Cham music melodies), Tuan Chau - Pearl Island of love (Ca Tru melodies)...

The Hien family has 4 brothers: The Vuong, The Hien, The Dat and The Tien. The "four" often meet whenever there is an event related to The Hien (in which I am always invited as a guest): The Hien's birthday (December 8), the release of the collection "Singing about him - Forest orchid branch " (including 40 songs), at times like that I often suggest the 4 brothers go on stage to sing the song " Co gai Ne-nu" (Russian music), all 4 brothers are proficient in playing musical instruments and sing very well without any prior rehearsal. The Hien also loves the football matches of the Vietnamese team. We often gather at the apartment of musician Bao Huy (The Hien's son) on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai street, together supporting the Vietnamese team very enthusiastically...

The Hien is a cheerful and straightforward person. If he hears something unpleasant, he will immediately give his opinion. He teaches many students. Every time it is his birthday, his students usually come to gather together, filled with flowers and congratulations.

Now he left peacefully, gently and quietly...

People's Artist The Hien's full name is Lai The Hien, originally from Nam Dinh (now Ninh Binh province), born on December 8, 1955 in Saigon.

He graduated from the intermediate vocal music course of the Lotus Art Troupe (1977 - 1980), and graduated from the university majoring in Composition (part-time system) of the Ho Chi Minh City Conservatory of Music (1995 - 1999).

In 1982, he began his composing career with his debut work When the Balloons Fly, which was well received by audiences.

Musician Thế Hiển was recognized by the Vietnam Record Organization as the musician who wrote the most songs about soldiers (2012). He was awarded the title of Meritorious Artist (2012) and in 2023 he was awarded the title of People's Artist.

Musician The Hien passed away on the evening of October 1 at Military Hospital 175 (HCMC) after a period of fighting a serious illness.

HM

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/nsnd-the-hien-chay-het-minh-cho-to-quoc-va-tuoi-tre-185251002230356055.htm