Wandering far and wide following folk songs

(Baonghean) - That is folk artist Tran Quoc Minh in Dong Long hamlet, Dong Thanh commune (Yen Thanh district). That artist seems to have been born with Vi and Giam folk songs, and then spent his whole life wandering far and wide following folk songs, to preserve, cherish and pass on the cultural heritage of humanity.

Artist Tran Quoc Minh teaches folk songs to students.

Over a mat of wine on an autumn afternoon in the Dong Long mountain hamlet, we enjoyed the folk songs Vi and Giam performed by artist Tran Quoc Minh (born in 1942). Despite his rare age, his voice is still strong, warm, sweet, lyrical and profound. In the joyful atmosphere of the reunion, he told us about his deep love for Vi and Giam folk songs.

He said that both of his parents were very good folk singers in Phuc Tho commune (Nghi Loc), so from the moment he was born he was "bathed" in the folk melodies of Vi and Giam through his mother's lullabies. Therefore, the love of Vi and Giam folk songs permeated his soul from the cradle. Growing up, at the age of 6-7, he knew how to sing and even composed Vi and Giam folk melodies that surprised and admired adults. At the age of 18, he put down his pen and his passion for singing, and the young man Tran Quoc Minh took up arms and went to fight the Americans.

But then Minh's "singing voice drowned out the sound of bombs" was noticed by everyone and he was allowed to work in the art troupe of Division 375. During this time, Tran Quoc Minh composed many songs and short plays to serve and encourage the spirit of soldiers on the battlefield against the Americans, including many "self-composed and self-performed" songs that were recorded and filmed by Voice of Vietnam (in 1964).

In 1975, Tran Quoc Minh returned to live and participate in cultural activities in Dong Thanh commune. In 1975, he was the Captain of the commune's Cultural Team. With his talent and enthusiasm, he gathered and built the Dong Thanh Commune Folk Song Club.

The club not only serves the villagers during the Tet holiday but is also invited to perform in many places inside and outside the district. From this club, 12 more folk song clubs were gradually established in the district. Each club has had his great contribution.

For over 40 years, Mr. Tran Quoc Minh has spent time collecting and researching folk songs and Vi and Giam melodies; composing and staging hundreds of plays, folk song skits, and folk song skits for art troupes in his district.

Mr. Dang Duy Hung - Director of Yen Thanh District Cultural Center said: "Almost every year, Dong Thanh Commune Folk Song Club wins first and second prizes in provincial-level art competitions and has won many national Gold Medals for Vi and Giam folk songs; for the past 3 consecutive years, it has won A prize at the Nghe Tinh Vi and Giam Folk Song Festival. All movements and art programs are scripted and directed by artist Tran Quoc Minh."

Meritorious artist Tran Quoc Minh and his wife have always been passionate about singing Vi Giam folk songs.

Now 76 years old, Mr. Minh is still very enthusiastic and passionate. He spends most of his time teaching singing and staging folk plays for clubs in communes in the district.

He confided: “Since the clubs were founded, I have traveled everywhere to “fuel” the Vi and Giam folk songs. At that time, we were very hungry. After setting up a program for them all morning, we only had a bowl of porridge or a pack of instant noodles to fill our stomachs, but it was very fun. I am happy that Vi and Giam folk songs have spread.”

Not stopping there, Mr. Minh also teaches folk singing Vi and Giam for free at schools; even on his days off at home, he calls buffalo herders into his house, gives them candy, and practices singing for them. He said: "I do this also with the purpose of "passing on the fire" of folk singing Vi and Giam to the younger generation."

With his contributions, on August 1, 2013, at the Nghe Tinh Vi and Giam Folk Song Festival, he was honored by the State as a folk artist. In 2015, he was awarded a Certificate of Merit by the Chairman of Nghe An Provincial People's Committee for his outstanding achievements in performing Nghe Tinh Vi and Giam folk songs, and recently he was honored to receive a Certificate of Meritorious Artist recognition from the Vietnam Folk Literature Association.

Contacting and talking with folk artist Tran Quoc Minh, we understand that in every vein of his blood is always full of love for Vi and Giam folk songs. That artist has spent most of his life wandering far and wide following folk songs to preserve, cherish and pass on the flame to a cultural heritage of humanity.

Tien Dung