The feelings of talented artists

New passion sticks

Recently, by chance, I met Meritorious Artist Thanh Su. After chatting about his career in music and singing, he excitedly told me: "Next week, Cao Van Lau Theater will serve a comprehensive regional art program in front of the Theater. Please introduce it to your favorite audience to come and see it!". I understand his joy as well as that of many other artists and artisans, because for quite a while, due to technical conditions not meeting the requirements, the Theater had to stop serving the audience. The "spiritual feast" every weekend night of the local people was interrupted, and the goal of reformed opera to serve tourism in the province was also stopped for a while.

Every time I enjoy the art programs or Cai Luong plays at Cao Van Lau Theater, in addition to the artists on stage, I pay special attention to the musicians sitting in the corner of the "backstage". Regularly present in that lineup are Meritorious Artist Thanh Su, Meritorious Artist Hoang Phi, Meritorious Artist Hoang Trang, famous musician Ngoc Can... When mentioning the money after each performance, Meritorious Artist Thanh Su happily said that he participates because of his passion, "no artist has ever gotten rich from singing and playing". Currently, in addition to the contract with Cao Van Lau Theater when there is a performance program, he also goes to "shows" whenever there is a request and accepts to teach those who are passionate and talented in Cai Luong.

Although the house has land and fields with “storks flying straight”, Meritorious Artist Hoang Trang almost leaves the farming work to his family to hire workers, because the “musical career” has been with him since he was “young” until now. In addition to the contract with Cao Van Lau Theater when there are performances, he also actively participates in local ĐCTT teams and groups. He is currently a “hard” member of the ĐCTT Club of Kim Cuong Ecological Garden (Vinh Trach Commune, Bac Lieu City), ready to serve tourists when scheduled. And of course, money is not a big deal, the main thing is the joyful spirit of serving ĐCTT, performing songs for tourists to enjoy.

There is no professional training school or center for teaching ĐCTT so that musicians can have stable jobs and make a living from playing the instrument. Classes are still only introductory and training, lacking in depth. ĐCTT is passed down spontaneously and is almost ineffective in its mission of preserving, inheriting and promoting.

Meritorious artist Hoang Trang (second from right) participates in the Kim Cuong Ecological Garden's Don Ca Tai Tu Club. Photo: CT

"Insider" voice

Having participated in ĐCTT training courses for many years, Meritorious Artist Nguyen Van Phuc (Gia Rai Town) said: “The number of students who achieve good results is very low. Based on my own experience, I think that when opening a ĐCTT class, you have to spend 2 weeks learning the musical notes in the previous pieces before learning to sing. There are separate classes for those who are new to singing, and then an advanced class for those who are good at singing to practice singing different pieces. As for ĐCTT classes in schools, the teachers must have a precise understanding of the music theory in the original pieces, sometimes requiring artists with deep understanding.”

Meritorious Artist Duong Minh Khuong (Phuoc Long District) said: “Currently, ĐCTT is fading away, the younger generation is very little interested in this art form. Besides, ĐCTT is being turned into vọng cổ, cải lương. Many people confuse vọng cổ, cải lương with ĐCTT art. Most people now know how to sing vọng cổ, cải lương, and mới nhạc but do not know how to sing tài tử due to lack of guidance; from there, it also partly affects the current ĐCTT movement.”

According to the artists, it is necessary to carry out many tasks simultaneously if we want to preserve and promote the value of ĐCTT art effectively. That is to create favorable conditions for practicing, creating and teaching ĐCTT art in schools, clubs, groups and communities; strengthen research, application of science and technology to improve the quality and effectiveness of teaching and performing activities; and integrate ĐCTT into the training and fostering content at specialized training institutions.

In particular, according to the musicians, there needs to be more practical actions in restoring and transmitting the original pieces; expanding new forms and living environments, in line with the goal of protecting and promoting the value of ĐCTT art in contemporary life. In addition, media agencies need to regularly introduce and promote this art form in many forms to educate aesthetics, arousing the public's appreciation of ĐCTT art, especially the young generation.

Cam Thuy

Source: https://www.baobaclieu.vn/van-hoa-nghe-thuat/noi-niem-nghe-nhan-tai-tu-99939.html