Exploring Quan Ho Songs in Tho Ha Village

There's an old saying, 'To Tho Ha Village, to experience Quan Ho.' While many are familiar with accompanied Quan Ho performances, true aficionados know the charm lies in raw, unaccompanied renditions...

Travel to Tho Ha for Authentic Quan Ho Experience

Among the plethora of treasures in the ancient Tho Ha Village (Van Ha commune, Viet Yen district, Bac Giang province), Quan Ho folk songs stand out as the most captivating for tourists. Through the simple, traditional performances, the local singers have crafted a unique ambiance for Quan Ho along the northern banks of the Cau River.

Standing on the dyke of the Cau River, visitors can feel the poetic ambiance, with boats gently swaying on the water below. Perhaps it's from this very environment that timeless Quan Ho melodies like 'Calling the Ferry,' 'Sitting Leaning on the Boat,' and 'Parting Ways' were born.

In springtime, every corner of Tho Ha Village is adorned with the graceful figures of local singers, dressed in traditional attire, deeply immersed in the art of Quan Ho. It's this authentic essence of Quan Ho that led two artisans from the village to be invited to perform in France. It's indeed an honor for Tho Ha Village to have two local singers bestowed with the title of Outstanding Artisan.

Phu Hiep, an outstanding artisan and the Head of Tho Ha Quan Ho Club, is renowned for his powerful voice, considered the best in the Kinh Bac region. He expresses: “The Quan Ho of our village possesses a unique charm that cannot be found elsewhere in Kinh Bac. It's the scene of singing greetings on the riverbank. After years of Quan Ho performances, the locals of Tho Ha have never felt ashamed of their predecessors due to the strict rules of play, especially never seen anyone begging for money.”

They perform out of passion, singing with all their hearts to fulfill their passion. In Tho Ha, those who practice Quan Ho are not called 'singers,' nor are the performances referred to as 'songs.' Instead, they're 'Quan Ho verses,' with each 'stanza' being a 'performance.' Hiep explains: 'Singing Quan Ho is easy, but practicing Quan Ho is not something every village or person can understand and do. Playing requires elegance, humility, adherence to tradition, and wholehearted immersion. When we play Quan Ho, we must preserve our roots so that future generations understand what Quan Ho truly is. Nowadays, people are used to calling Quan Ho clubs, but in its true ancient essence, it should be 'Quan Ho groups,' even though the term 'group' may sound impolite nowadays.'

Those who know how to play Quan Ho must memorize at least a few dozen 'verses,' while the skilled ones may know hundreds to engage in proper dialogue with Quan Ho groups from other villages, following the correct etiquette and manners. Learning to play Quan Ho requires a process. Beginners must practice breathing techniques, vocal techniques, and intonation before even considering the resounding, resounding, background, and jumping effects. Players must understand various melodies like hu la, la rang, la ban..., practice singing in different tones, singing endings, connecting tones, singing in various styles, singing in pairs, singing in dialogues... And they must understand the cultural etiquette, very sincere and delicate communication of Quan Ho people.

Quan Ho in Tho Ha is not just an art form but also a cultural etiquette. When guests visit, it's not just about 'pouring tea' but also about singing meaningful verses:

Every time guests come to visit,

We light the stove, brew tea, and invite them to dine.

This tea is quite precious, my friend

Each person, one cup, to please my heart

According to the artisans of Tho Ha, after singing greetings on the river, Quan Ho Tho Ha transitions to singing at the temple, then back to a Quan Ho house (the house of one of the Quan Ho singers). A traditional singing session typically consists of three stages. The first stage is the invitation stage, sung in a formal manner. The second stage is the ordinary singing stage, using common melodies. The third stage is the farewell stage, with sentimental vocals.

In springtime, the Quan Ho groups of Tho Ha often invite other Quan Ho groups from the region for exchanges, responses, and singing until the early morning hours. Brothers and sisters proudly showcase their skills in traditional attire, adorned with scarves and elegant conical hats. A spring Quan Ho 'feast' in a serene atmosphere, emanating from melodies that captivate poets and guests alike. As the night deepens, Quan Ho becomes more spirited, brimming with camaraderie. Late into the night, the spirits of the Quan Ho singers soar, expressing their emotions through songs, elevating the joy to its peak. Melodies brim with feelings, melancholy, and yearning, as expressed by a verse from artisan Phu Hiep:

Now it's still early, my dear

Please stay a little longer and enjoy, return tomorrow

Now, we part ways in different places

One goes, one stays, like the diverging paths of sorrow

The heartstrings tightened with anguish...

Every word, every verse echoes solemnly, resonating deeply and sincerely!

Master artist Phu Hiep shares: “The songs we sing are not just lip service but a reflection of our innermost feelings. Quan Ho Tho Ha must be played and sung to express the sincerity, hospitality, and emotions of the singer. That's why there's a verse:

Once upon a time, young and old, men and women alike

Whoever sings surely shines with honor

Contemplate the refined tones

Those who sing are honored for generations

For many decades now, no matter how challenging life may be, Quan Ho remains indispensable during the spring gatherings. It's a time for Quan Ho enthusiasts to raise a toast to the new year, to the festivities, enjoying the company until the break of dawn. But every joyous occasion must come to an end, and the farewells are filled with tears, affectionately sung on the riverbank: 'As you depart, I silently weep/ Both sides of my coat are wet like rain or Now one heads north, the other south/ Who has the heart to sever our bond?/ Quan Ho bids us farewell. Both hosts and guests mournfully reminisce: As you depart, I'm filled with sorrow/ To love, to miss, like this/ I dare not plead for your stay/ Your inner garment you wear, your outer you leave behind as a pledge.'

By Kim Sa/Saigon Entrepreneur

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Reference: Travel Guide from Mytour