Lookatvietnam – An important form of traditional Vietnamese music is one step closer to being preserved for future generations to enjoy, thanks to a planned database, which, once complete will contain all there is to know about Nha Nhac, or Hue city royal court music.

Hue royal court music.

According to the centre’s Vice Director, Phan Thanh Hai, his team has also made 100 recordings of Nha Nhac performances, lasting 40 hours in total. They have also been busy taking photos of numerous performances of this form of music, as performances can vary each time the song is played.

They have been granted access to valuable research and documents relating to Nha Nhac by virtuosos such as Tran Van Khe, To Ngoc Thanh, Van Thi Minh Huong, and the Japanese researchers, Oshihino Yoshiru and Oshino Satomi.

Staff at the centre are also examining new arrangements of traditional Nha Nhac songs in an attempt to bring this cultural treasure to a wider audience.

They are also exploring ways to breathe new life into the key songs and instruments used in Nha Nhac performances, as well as the distinctive costumes worn by the dancers and musicians.

In 2008, the centre cooperated with researcher Trinh Bach to restore 128 sets of dancers’ costumes and bonnets and 30 musicians costumes.

(Source: VNA)