Xoan singing is a famous art of the midland province of Phu Tho. The UN cultural agency UNESCO has recognized Xoan singing as a world cultural heritage in need of urgent protection. The recognition confirms the art’s unique value and poses urgent need to presser the art.
Documents on Xoan singing submitted to the UNESCO has stood out among 23 candidates as the most comprehensive dossier. It covers the art’s community and artistic values as well as Vietnam’s efforts to preserve the art. Xoan singing has been listed in preservation and research menu of many cultural and music research institutes, including its home province of Phu Tho.
Xoan singing is a ritual singing art so it is very difficult to guess about its origin if we don’t study belief. In Xoan singing, there is a part called “bat ca” (catching fish) and then “tat den” (turning off the light), which belonged to “tin nguong phon thuc” (worshiping male and female genitals or coitus to wish for a good harvest). Chairman of Vietnam Folklore Arts Association, Professor To Ngoc Thanh: “Xoan singing has a lot of values in terms of history, culture, music and dance. It’s one of the cultural heritages which originated from the early days of the country’s history.”
The musical instruments for Xoan singing are similar to many other kinds of folk songs, including drums, wooden bells and castanets. Drums and castanets are played by men while singing and dancing are done by women.
Hat xoan was usually organised in front of the communal house during the village festivals in the spring, hence it is also called Hat cua dinh, or singing in front of the communal house.
There are two forms of Xoan singing: ceremonial singing and festive singing.
Ceremonial singing has a simple rhythm and melody that creates a solemn and respectful atmosphere. On the other hand, festive Xoan singing is more exciting and is performed by artists from the Xoan troupe along with the young people in the village. The art of Xoan singing is based on three main components: lyrics, music and dancing. A Xoan singing master, Nguyen Ngoc Bao from the midland province of Phu Tho: “I’ve practiced xoan singing since I was 4 years old. The troupe took me to various pagodas and temples, including the Hung King temple’s for annual performance. I believe that the art will live forever thanks to state and community’s support.”
Xoan singing is facing threat of extinction due to a lack of trainers. In its home province of Phu Tho, only 4 hamlets managed to preserve ancient Xoan singing lyrics and 8 capable trainers. Most of the 69 artists in the province are more than 80 years old. Music critic Nguyen Thi Minh Chau: “We need to promote the art so that young people enjoy it. We have integrated Xoan singing in schools with coaching assistance from senior artists.”
Chairman of Phu Tho provincial People’s Committee, Hoang Dan Mac, says more audience has visited Xoan performances. The UNESCO ‘s recognition of xoan singing as a world cultural heritage in need of urgent protection has encouraged the preservation of the art for the next generations.
Vinh Phong