(Baonghean.vn) - The Tho people in Nghe An live scattered across the districts of Tan Ky, Nghia Dan, Quy Hop, and Que Phong. Although there are many different Tho subgroups, they share a common cultural characteristic: the veneration of gong and drum dances.
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| The Tho people's gong set consists of four gongs, three of which are hung and one is held in the hand. The gongs are played in three rhythms: a slow tempo at the beginning, a faster tempo after a while, and finally, when everyone is excited, a jumping tempo. For the Tho people in Nghe An, during festivals, weddings, or funerals, they organize gong performances from night until morning. This cultural tradition has been passed down from generation to generation within the Tho community. |
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| Drums are played in combination with gongs and horns. The key to drumming is to integrate it with graceful dance movements. |
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| According to the village elders, the most difficult instrument to master among the Tho people is the horn. Playing the horn requires diligence and patience. To be able to harmonize with the gongs and drums, Mr. Nguyen Trung Thu (U village – Nghia Thang commune – Nghia Dan district) had to practice for many years. |
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| When the gongs, drums, and cymbals begin to play, everyone happily dances in a circle. The Tho people dance to the slow, fast, and soaring rhythms of the instruments. When the music stops, they sing call-and-response songs. Two Tho gong and cymbal artisans, Ms. Vu Thi Thanh and Ms. Nguyen Thi Than (Nghia Thang - Nghia Dan), said that the gong and cymbal club of U village was recognized in 2015 and has gathered 30 people to pass on the tradition to their descendants. |
Watch the video of the Tho ethnic group's gong performance:
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Dao Tho
