vietnamese music and performing art (part 2)

The performing arts are well represented. Aside from operatic performances in Hanoi and Saigon, many theatrical styles have a uniquely Vietnamese flavour:

• Tuong: classical lyrical theatre
• Cheo: popular lyrical theatre
• Cai Luong: modern lyrical theatre
• Dan Ca Kich: regional lyrical theatre
• Kich Noi: spoken-word theatre, with Western influences
• Circus
• Water puppetry

Add to this the traditional songs, music and dances of each of the 54 ethnic groups and you begin to get an idea of the incredible wealth and diversity of the arts in Vietnam.  Vietnamese music has always managed to integrate influences from various cultures (Chinese, Indonesian, Hindu, Champa, etc.) yet distinguishes itself by its originality.

Vietnamese music is mainly melodic.  Its scale is pentatonic and it is associated with the concepts of mode and variations.  Melodies are ornate and usually follow an improvisation; they closely follow the language’s intonations and their rhythms can vary greatly.

Vietnamese music is played at court, during secular or religious ceremonies, as a form of entertainment, at the theatre, or in the course of everyday life.

Music is an integral part of every festival and celebration.