The sound of the zither - The sound of the mountains and forests

For generations, the Tinh lute has not only been a musical instrument but also a "spiritual companion," closely associated with Then singing, a form of performance recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity.

The performance of then singing and zither playing always attracts viewers because of the unique melodies and instruments.

The Tinh lute (also known as Tinh Tau) is a traditional musical instrument of the Tay, Nung, and Thai ethnic groups. It has a unique structure with a soundbox made from a dried gourd and a wooden neck, usually with 2-3 strings. The sound of the Tinh lute is not brilliant, but rather soft and warm, like the breath of the mountains and forests. It serves as both an accompaniment and a second voice, blending seamlessly with the lyrics of the Then folk songs, guiding the listener's emotions. Perhaps that's why people not only "listen" to the Tinh lute, but also "feel" it with their hearts.

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In Thai Nguyen , a midland region rich in cultural identity, the Tinh lute and Then singing have long been an indispensable part of the spiritual life of the Tay people. During village festivals, the melodious sounds of the Tinh lute, harmonizing with the Then songs, tell stories about the land, the people, and the belief in goodness. Then singing and Tinh lute playing are the "soul and essence of the spiritual life" of the people of Viet Bac.

Beyond its cultural value, the đàn tính (a traditional Vietnamese stringed instrument) is also becoming a "bridge" bringing Thai Nguyen closer to tourists. Many performances and cultural experiences have spread the sound of the đàn tính far and wide, contributing to the preservation and dissemination of this heritage.

Artisan Luu Sung Dong, from Na Chat hamlet, Lam Vi commune, who has been involved with the zither for over 30 years, shared: "The zither is not just for performance. For us, it is the voice of the soul. Every time I play the zither, I feel like I'm conversing with my ancestors, with the mountains and forests."

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Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/mien-nui-vung-cao/202606/tieng-dan-tinh-thanh-am-cua-nui-rung-d1e12ef/