Television show revitalises old music

The television show Giai Dieu Tu Hao (Melody of Pride) is featuring songs that are making a comeback with the younger generation in Viet Nam.

The show is produced by Viet Nam Television based on the format of a Russian programme titled "National Treasures".


It aims to praise the songs composed by Vietnamese veterans during the American War as well as the country's construction period (1964-80).

The show's producers are famed artists including poet and documentary filmmaker Phan Huyen Thu; director Viet Tu and composer Quoc Trung.

Guests young and old are invited to come on the show to express their views on songs and memories of society and culture.

"Even though their opinions can conflict, it is the most interesting part of the show," Thu said.

Unlike the previous two shows in January and February, guests on the third show, titled Dem Qua Toi Mo Thay Hoa Binh (Last Night I Dreamed of Peace) broadcast on March 29, were keen to share their viewpoints.

Most of the songs performed on the show were about young people in the 1980s, which raised different topics of discussion among composers, journalists, artists and critics.

Representing the younger generation, journalist Quynh Huong from HCM City's Phu Nu (Women) newspaper, said she was worried about young people living without trust or purpose.

In contrast, veteran composer Tran Tien said we should let the past stay in the past.

"The past can not help us. Trust and dreams are decided by young people. They should behave and make their contributions to the country in their own ways," he said.

But art critic Nguyen Thi Minh Thai had a different point of view.

"We can not forget the past, we should just close it. The Vietnamese youth should be proud of their country," she said.

On the show, many Vietnamese songs have been recovered and performed with a modern twist, including Ho Keo Phao (Cannon-tugging Chantey) on the most recent show last Saturday.

The song was composed by Hoang Van in 1954 to praise the brave soldiers he witnessed pulling cannons up a hill in Dien Bien Phu.

The new version of the song appealed to younger audience members, but the older guests were not so sure.

"In our time, music resounded everywhere with only a guitar. We love melody and highly appreciate words. The loud of electronic music in this version mean I cannot hear the lyrics," said journalist Phung Huy Thinh.

Composer Nguyen Cuong also said that the performance did not transmit the spirit of the song.

Artist Dinh Cong Dat disagreed with the two older guests, saying youngsters should listen to what they like.

"Let them enjoy in their own way," said Dat.

Composer Quoc Trung also shared Dat's opinion. "To protect the country needs the combined will of millions of people, but we should have millions of opinions about one piece of music. This will help music develop," Trung said.

"Music is just notes. A composer is successful when the music and melody conquer the audience. In the case, the lyrics are the same, but the remix appeals to young people," he said.

Four shows have been produced and aired on national television since January with a warm response from television viewers.

"The show is important. It is great to listen to the old songs that l used to sing again," said former youth volunteer Nguyen Thi Soan. "Once upon a time, these songs encouraged young people to devote ourselves to the protection of the country," she said.