Chau Vansinging, dating from the Tran Dynasty (1225-1400), is part of thenational intangible cultural heritage. The Red River delta provinceof Nam Dinh is considered its birthplace.
Thishighly rhythmic form of singing often accompanies “hau dong”(mediumship) during rituals to honour Mother Goddesses and connect toother gods. It is usually performed at temples and pagodas.
The music and poetry performed in the folk art are blended with avariety of rhythms, pauses, tempos, stresses and pitches. The genre hasalso adopted folk songs from the uplands and highlands of the North,Centre and South. The main musical instrument used in the genre is theDan Nguyet (moon-shaped lute).
Relevant agencies areworking on a dossier seeking UNESCO’s recognition of the traditionalsinging genre as an Intangible Culture Heritage of Humanity.
The Hanoi department said talks will be held during the festivalto discuss how to preserve and bring into play the positive values ofChau Van singing in modern society.-VNA