When the "king of sentimental music" faced "empty hands"

(Baonghean.vn) - Vinh Su - once known as the "King of sentimental music," author of famous golden-era songs such as "Knocking on the Heart's Door," "Wandering Night," "Passing by Your House," "Reuniting Old Love,"... unexpectedly found himself living in poverty and hardship in his later years. His upcoming live show "Two Empty Hands" at the Hanoi Grand Opera House on August 1st is also a story of his bitter and tragic life…

Normally, sentimental music rarely makes its way to the Grand Theatre, except for Tuan Vu's live show, which set a record of five consecutive performances there and has yet to be repeated. The opportunity came to the once-famous but impoverished musician Vinh Su because he was fortunate enough to meet a generous benefactor: to create a series of programs honoring authors and works that were once cherished memories for a generation of Vietnamese music listeners, under the name "Golden Era".

A private concert dedicated to sentimental music at the "artistic sanctuary" was a precious gift from the organizers to Vinh Sử at a time when his health was becoming critical, as he shared: "I don't have much time left in my life, and I've always longed for a private concert like this, to live in the happiness that the audience still remembers my music…".

Singers Ngoc Cham and Bao Khanh visit the home of the king of sentimental music, Vinh Su.

The "King of sentimental music" always considered his compositions to be for the poor, so his lyrics were often simple and familiar to the general public. Therefore, performing at the Grand Theatre was also a "new look" for once-famous sentimental songs like: "Two Empty Hands," "Knocking on the Heart's Door," "Wandering Night," "Passing by Your House," "Reuniting Old Love," etc.

The song "Two Empty Hands" has become a catchphrase for many, and it seems to have reflected his life in his later years. Once famous as a wealthy musician who earned a lot of money selling his music, and known for his numerous relationships and four wives, he ultimately found himself with "two empty hands": poverty, illness (he is currently battling colon cancer that has metastasized), and no wife by his side (his fourth wife only came to care for him when he was ill, as she had her own life and children who were also struggling financially...).

However, overcoming adversity, the former "king of sentimental music" still maintains an optimistic outlook on life, unafraid of illness or death, only worried about no longer being able to compose. He recounts that it was during his illness that he wrote the most, and he is currently recording his works to prepare for a collection to be released soon. At the "Two Empty Hands" concert, composer Vinh Sử will also introduce some of his new songs.

Performing his songs will be special voices who love Vinh Su's music, such as Le Quyen, comedian Chien Thang, singers Ngoc Cham, Ha Van, Quang Tam, Bach Nguyen… and especially singer Bao Khanh – a "favorite" of Thuy Nga overseas music center. Famous for his sweet voice, which once created a "sensational" phenomenon in Thuy Nga's new star selection, Bao Khanh loves Vinh Su's works and for him, this is a rare opportunity to express his love…

Post:NL

Image:TEM