Bringing Traditional Zither Music to Cho Ra Village
- Artisan Duong Van Thuc has dedicated his career to the preservation and recreation of the 12-string zither, an instrument central to ancient then folk songs.
- The journey of Duong Van Thuc is rooted in the cultural heritage of the Tay people.
- In 1969, Thuc began his professional musical career as a member of the former Bac Thai Art Troupe.
Artisan Duong Van Thuc has dedicated his career to the preservation and recreation of the 12-string zither, an instrument central to ancient then folk songs. Based in Hamlet 7, Cho Ra Commune, Thuc serves as both a craftsman and a keeper of these traditional sounds, pursuing what he describes as his lifelong dream
.
The journey of Duong Van Thuc is rooted in the cultural heritage of the Tay people. Born in 1953 in the former Ba Be region, he was immersed in a vibrant cultural environment from childhood, which fostered an early passion for Tinh playing and Then singing.
Professional Background and Inspiration
In 1969, Thuc began his professional musical career as a member of the former Bac Thai Art Troupe. During his tenure with the troupe, he focused on the collection and performance of ancient Tay folk songs.
His specific drive to recreate the 12-string instrument emerged from his performance of a song titled Coc Tinh
. The lyrics of the song, which tell the story of the Tinh lute, inspired Thuc to attempt to build the original version of the lute described in the music.
We’ve grown up/playing the zither on the strings…
The Legend of the Tinh Lute
The inspiration for the 12-string zither is tied to a folk narrative involving a man named Xien Cam. According to the song, Xien Cam was 30 years old and unmarried.
Saddened by his loneliness and unfortunate fate, Xien Cam desired a zither to play. This longing led him to resolve to ascend to heaven to request mulberry leaves for raising silkworms and gourd seeds to create the instrument.
Cultural Preservation in Cho Ra Commune
Today, the sounds of the Tinh lute continue to resonate in the home of Duong Van Thuc in Hamlet 7, Cho Ra Commune. The artisan continues to cherish the 12-string zither, using it to transport listeners to the mystical world of ancient folk songs.
Beyond the physical crafting of the instrument, Duong Van Thuc has worked to ensure the survival of the art form by passing the Then singing tradition down to the younger generation.