The Best of Vietnam’s Music: Instrumental Edition
Contents
From the fast-paced and adrenaline-pumping vibes of the north, to the more mellow and introspective tunes of the south, Vietnam’s music has something for everyone. This instrumental edition features some of the best tracks from across the country, perfect for relaxing or studying.
Traditional Instruments
Vietnam is home to a diverse range of musical instruments, many of which are used in traditional ensembles. The most popular traditional instruments are the dan tranh (a 16-string zither), dan nguyet (a two-stringed lute), dan bau (a monochord), and the T’rung (a bamboo xylophone). These instruments are used in a wide variety of music, from traditional Vietnamese folk music to contemporary pop.
Dan Bau
The dan bau is a traditional Vietnamese monochord. It has a very distinctive sound, which has been described as “haunting” and “eerie.” The dan bau is played with a bow, and the player can produce a wide range of sounds by changing the pressure and speed of the bow. The dan bau is used in both traditional and contemporary Vietnamese music.
Dan Tranh
The Dan Tranh is a 16-string zither that originated in Vietnam. It has a small horizontal body with two sets of bridges and is played with picks. The Dan Tranh is used in both traditional Vietnamese music and in contemporary popular music.
The Dan Tranh has a wide range of possible sounds, from delicate and delicate to powerful and aggressive. The instrument can be used to create a wide range of textures, from beautifully intricate melodies to harsh, percussive rhythms. The Dan Tranh is an incredibly versatile instrument that can be used for a wide variety of musical genres.
Dan Nhi
The dan nhi is a traditional two-stringed violin from Vietnam. It is used in a wide range of music genres, including pop, rock, jazz, and classical. The dan nhi has a bright, high-pitched sound that can be both sweet and melancholy. The instrument is played with a bow, and the strings are typically made from horsehair.
The dan nhi originates from China, and it is believed to have been introduced to Vietnam during the Chinese occupation of the country. The instrument quickly became popular among the Vietnamese people, and it has been an integral part of Vietnamese music for centuries. Today, the dan nhi is one of the most commonly heard instruments in Vietnam.
Modern Instruments
The last few decades have seen a huge resurgence in traditional Vietnamese music. This is in part due to the increase in popularity of Western music, but also because of the increased availability of musical instruments. There are now many different types of Vietnamese instruments available, from traditional to modern.
Guitar
The guitar is a popular musical instrument with a long history. It is a stringed instrument with a neck and body, and usually has six strings. The guitar is played by plucking the strings with the fingers or a plectrum (a small, thin piece of plastic or metal).
There are many different types of guitars, including acoustic guitars, electric guitars, and classical guitars. Acoustic guitars are the most common type of guitar; they are played without amplifiers or other electronic equipment. Electric guitars are similar to acoustic guitars, but they have pickups that amplify the sound of the instrument. Classical guitars are acoustic guitars that use nylon strings; they are typically used in classical and flamenco music.
Piano
Instrumental music has always played an important role in Vietnamese culture, and the piano is no exception. The piano first came to Vietnam in the 18th century, during the French colonial period. It quickly became popular among the Vietnamese aristocracy and was soon adopted as a symbol of status and wealth. Today, the piano is one of the most popular instruments in Vietnam, and can be heard in many different genres of music, from classical to pop.
Drums
Drums are an important part of many traditional Vietnamese music styles. There are several different types of drums used in Vietnamese music, each with its own unique sound.
The trong chau is a large, deep-sounding drum that is typically played at temples and festivals. The trong nhi is a smaller drum that has a higher pitch. It is often used in more lively music, such as folk songs and dances.
The trong tinh is a drum that has a very distinct sound, due to the fact that it is made with two different types of skins stretched over the top and bottom of the drum. The top skin is usually goat skin, while the bottom skin is made from buffalo hide. This produces a unique sound that can be both powerful and haunting.
The klong put is a small handheld drum that is often used in solos or as part of an ensemble. It has a very high pitch and produces a sharp, distinctive sound.
Popular Songs
“Nguoi La Oi”
Nguoi La Oi is a very popular Vietnamese song that was composed by Phan Dang Bao Chau. This song is often played at weddings and other special occasions.
“Em Cua Ngay Hom Qua”
One of the most popular songs in Vietnam, “Em Cua Ngay Hom Qua” was written by musician Vu Cat Tuong and quickly rose to fame after it was used in a local television drama series. The song is an upbeat ballad with a catchy melody, and its lyrics tell the story of young love.
“Mua Xuan La Con Gai”
Mua Xuan La Con Gai is one of the most popular songs in Vietnam. It is an instrumental piece, played on the guitar, that has a very catchy tune. Many people know the song and it is often played at parties and other gatherings.
