[Photos] Ca tru singing - A heritage of Vietnamese people

Multimedia - PublishedTime : 09:37, 14/06/2023

Ca tru is a complex form of sung poetry found in the north of Vietnam, with lyrics written in a traditional Vietnamese poetic form.

It had been of risk of being lost, but has undergone a revival and shown remarkable resilience since being recognised by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage in need of urgent protection in 2009.

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The revival of the traditional art form has been successful in capturing the attention of both older and younger generations alike. As a result, the number of Ca tru clubs has been steadily increasing

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Ca tru groups comprise three performers: a female singer, who uses breathing techniques and vibrato to create unique ornamented sounds while playing the clappers or striking a wooden box, and two instrumentalists who produce the deep tone of a three-string lute and the strong sounds of a praise drum. In the photo: Ca tru art exchanges at the French cultural centre

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Hanoi is considered the cradle of Ca tru singing and a leader in organisation and research as well as talented artisans

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A Ca tru performance is a display of sophistication, elegance, and nobility, akin to traditional Japanese Geisha rituals or Western operatic performances. Folk artists transmit the music and poems that comprise Ca tru pieces by oral and technical transmission, formerly within their family line but now to anyone who wishes to learn

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A singing group at the Quan De communal house in Hanoi attracts a large number of domestic and foreign tourists

VNA