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A Tuong play performed at the national traditional Tuong arts festival. Photo V.L |
Meritorious artist Dao Duy Kien devoted himself full-time to Tuong (classical drama) arts and he has still contributed to Tuong in retirement. He talks more about his enthusiasm for the traditional music.
What is your motive for nurturing love for Tuong?
I truly love Tuong arts. It is originated from my understanding and respect for its traditional value. What I did for nearly 40 years is not enough; therefore, I decided to contribute to Tuong arts as much as I can after I had retired.
What have you done in retirement?
After I retired, I joined a composing camp held by Vietnam Association of Folklore Arts in 2003 and I did a study on Vietnamese folklore music in the music of Tuong.
The issue has been studied to some extent, so I only mentioned aspects about which haven’t been talked in my study, helping the readers understand more the music of Tuong.
In 2005, I had the “My songs” collection published. It includes 30 songs I composed basing my knowledge of traditional music and experiences. The collection won the prize B under Dao Tan – Xuan Dieu Award.
In 2008, I coordinated with the musician Gia Thien to write a book entitled “The Music of Tuong”, analyzing distinctive features of musical instruments used in Tuong arts. The work was awarded the prize C by Vietnam Stage Artists’ Association.
Alongside these, I wrote many articles about traditional music, published on different newspapers and magazines.
What is your point of view when doing studies on traditional arts?
My enthusiasm helped me thoroughly understand many issues relating to music as well as Tuong arts. When doing any studies, therefore, I seriously ask myself to respect the old value and make valuable contributions to some extent.
In “the Music of Tuong”, for example, we said the structure of the music of Tuong was unclear, but this is a unique feature in the music of Tuong, helping instrumentalists do creative work basing on the traditional music.
How about new work for the music of Tuong?
Composing music for Tuong arts is essential to not only avoid a standstill in the field of traditional music but also contribute to the development of contemporary arts.
However, I still want to make it clear that composing music for Tuong arts is to help the traditional music become various, not replace old works.
Also, a composer must thoroughly understand the traditional music and features of each musical instrument.
You are very old now. Are you going to contribute more to Tuong arts?
Studying the music of Tuong is my enthusiasm. Any achievements will make me happy. The age, thus, is not an obstacle. I still have many plans and want to do something to develop the Tuong arts, but this also depends on other issues.
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