Composer An Thuyên - heart and talent

(Baonghean) - I've known composer An Thuyen since I was still in my hometown. But we met more often since I moved to Hanoi for work. Having had many conversations with composer An Thuyen, I would like to summarize him as a man from Nghe An, embodying all four virtues: Heart, Intellect, Trust, and Affection.

Heart. The musician exuded gentle, profound, delicate, and selfless qualities. Whenever there was a gathering of fellow countrymen, he would choose a humble seat, smiling at everyone. Many times, when invited to speak to the community, he would simply sing a folk song from Nghe An province, sometimes even delegating the task to his wife.

Major General, composer An Thuyên.

I remember at the end of 2006, when I assumed the responsibility of Minister of Culture and Information and Chairman of the National Awards Council, when the council voted to honor four writers and poets: Tran Dan, Phung Quan, Le Dat, and Hoang Cam, many differing opinions arose. The musician came to Ho Tay, where I was temporarily staying, to confide in me and encourage me to do everything possible to protect the prestigious award for these talented artists, most of whom had already passed away. Through this, I understood even more the noble heart of musician An Thuyen in caring for his colleagues. Around the same time, several well-known musicians such as Doan Nho, Do Hong Quan, and Trong Bang were involved in a recording scandal that caused a media uproar and stirred up professional controversy. The musician again came to me one afternoon at 51 Ngo Quyen to discuss how to ensure the reputation and honor of his colleagues. Through this, I further understood the heartfelt concern for the well-being of the older generations of musicians, a sentiment that musician An Thuyen, as the General Secretary of the Vietnam Musicians Association, possessed.

Tri. Although not a professional, I would like to offer a few brief words: The songs of composer An Thuyen are of intellectual caliber. Each of his songs, with its smooth lyrics, simple yet profound language, and music imbued with the sweet essence of folk music, expresses tender love between couples. The successes achieved at the Military University of Culture and Arts also speak to the virtue in gathering people, and the talent in management and military strategy of General and composer An Thuyen.

Tín. Wherever he lived and worked, the musician left a positive impression: he was loved, respected, and admired by everyone. That's why, upon his retirement, businesses elected him Chairman of the Vietnam Corporate Culture Association. He did this with all his heart for the revival of Vietnamese culture in general and corporate culture in particular.

Love. Composer An Thuyên was a man full of love for people, his homeland, his comrades, his colleagues, and his country. He always cared for his subordinates in everything he did. He said that he was able to accomplish his work thanks to the help of his colleagues, who assisted him more and better. At the beginning of June 2015, on the occasion of the first anniversary of the establishment of the Business Culture Association, he invited me and many other businesses to celebrate after a year of activity and organized a meal rich in hometown cuisine such as chicken stew, braised crucian carp, and rice crackers with clams… I never imagined that it would be his farewell meal. Seeing me arrive and leave by taxi, when saying goodbye, the composer even slipped 500,000 dong into my pocket, saying it was to help him pay for the taxi. His thoughtfulness, kindness, and consideration moved me deeply. Every time there was a festival in his hometown, the composer personally returned to help the province wholeheartedly, thoughtfully, and selflessly.

Upon hearing the news of the sudden passing of composer An Thuyên, I was stunned, feeling as if I had lost a respected elder brother. These hurried lines are like a tribute, a flower in his memory. He is gone, but his legacy and works will live on forever with his homeland, his country, his friends and colleagues, and with all those who love music and revere the composer and soldier An Thuyên.

Le Doan Hop

(Chairman of the Vietnam Digital Media Association)