Female soldier of Truong Son revives Ca Tru

Meritorious Artist Phuong Hong (middle) performs Ca Tru at Dac So communal house, Hanoi city. (Photo provided by the character)

Meritorious Artist Phuong Hong (middle) performs Ca Tru at Dac So communal house, Hanoi city. (Photo provided by the character)

Ms. Phung Thi Hong was born in 1952, in Dan Phuong commune, Hanoi city. Since childhood, Hong showed her musical talent, especially, Hong loved to sing cheo and recite poetry. At the age of 19, while working at the Department of Culture and Information of Phuc Tho district, Ha Tay province (old), Phung Thi Hong volunteered to go to the front, bringing songs to encourage the fighting spirit of the soldiers. At that time, she was added to the 2nd Ha Tay Assault Group to the battlefield.

At each military stop, performances of traditional folk songs became a valuable spiritual medicine to help soldiers overcome difficulties and dangers. On November 25, 1971, while performing at Military Station 34 of the 559th Regiment, Ms. Hong was injured. “I was dancing when I was shot straight in the right arm,” Ms. Hong recalled.

In 1972, Ms. Hong returned to her hometown after successfully completing her mission in Truong Son. She continued working at her old agency, then was transferred to work at the Cultural Information Center of Ha Tay province (old).

In 1990, Ms. Hong accidentally met and heard artist Bach Van sing Ca Tru. The melodies and the crisp rhythm captivated Ms. Hong. From that chance encounter, Ms. Hong began to research documents and books about Ca Tru. The real turning point was in 1994, when Ms. Hong met artist Nguyen Thi Chuc, and after hearing the singer "pulling out her heart and soul" to sing Ca Tru melodies, Ms. Hong expressed her intention to study.

Ms. Hong's journey of "seeking a teacher and learning from the master" officially began. Every Sunday, she went to the house of artist Nguyen Thi Chuc to study. Thus, over the course of 4 years (1994-1998), she learned the basics of Ca Tru and confidently performed. With a spirit of learning, she also sought out artists at the Thai Ha Ca Tru Club to learn and explore. Ms. Hong collected many tapes and discs of People's Artist Quach Thi Ho as well as other veteran artists in the Ca Tru village to listen to and learn by herself.

With a passion for the art of Ca Tru and a desire to continue spreading this folk culture, Ms. Hong thought of teaching it to many people. In 1998, she boldly advised the leaders of the cultural sector of Ha Tay province (old) to open Ca Tru classes.

She diligently studied with artisans and then sought out her own teaching methods to teach many people of all ages. The number of Ca Tru classes grew, and the performances at the units of Ha Tay province (old) at that time had the contribution of Ca Tru mats.

Along with teaching, Ms. Hong also boldly wrote new lyrics based on ancient melodies of Ca Tru such as: Hat lieu, hat noi, bac phan... The lyrics focus on reflecting current life, making it much easier for listeners, especially young people, to access. Up to now, Ms. Hong has written new lyrics for more than 100 songs in various styles, but mainly for hat noi.

In 2007, Ms. Hong retired, with a bullet still lodged in her arm, causing her health to decline, but her love for Ca Tru has never waned. Therefore, instead of resting and enjoying the joys of old age, Ms. Hong did not hesitate to travel to many places to directly teach the art of Ca Tru. In 2013, she became the Head of the Ca Tru Club of the Vietnam Music Arts Development Center (Vietnam Musicians Association).

Mr. Vu Duc Huy, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Music Arts Development Center, said: Meritorious Artist Phuong Hong is the leader at the center. She is the one who restored the art of Ca Tru at the center and founded the Ca Tru club. Not only is she a talented singer who has won many awards, she also brings the art of Ca Tru to international friends through performances in European countries.

After more than 30 years of being involved with Ca Tru, diligently cultivating knowledge and then teaching, the number of students studying with artist Phuong Hong has reached several hundred, many of whom have become famous. At the age of 72, her work schedule is always packed with classes and performances. When she does not have a class schedule, Ms. Hong goes to meet with veteran artists to learn, because for her, the knowledge of Ca Tru is so vast that no amount of studying is enough.

One of the motivations that urged Ms. Hong to persevere on the path she chose was probably the years on the battlefield, the time spent living a harsh life in the midst of bombs and bullets, witnessing the line between life and death and the indomitable fighting spirit of the soldiers. She confided: "War is so hard and sacrificial, but the soldiers can overcome it, so on the cultural front, where there is no sound of gunfire, how can artists give up?"

THANH DUNG

Source: https://nhandan.vn/nu-chien-si-truong-son-hoi-sinh-ca-tru-post896934.html