Demonstrators gathered in front of the Government’s Guest House in Hanoi on August 19, 1945 (Photo: Archive)

Musician Xuan Oanh wrote “August 19” on August 19, 1945, when he was marching with other revolutionaries from the outlying district of Van Dien to Hanoi. The crackling atmosphere of the day inspired Xuan Oanh to write this song along the way on pieces of newspaper and cigarette paper covers. Whenever he completed one phrase, he sang it out for others to hear and by the end of the day the song was not only finished, but widely known. The song echoed in the streets of Hanoi along with Van Cao’s “Marching song”, Nguyen Dinh Thi’s “Wipe out the fascists”, and Do Nhuan’s “Guerilla Song”.

People’s artist Trung Kien, one of the most successful singers to have performed songs about the August Revolution, explains why these songs live forever: “On August Revolution Day, we will always sing the songs by Xuan Oanh, Nguyen Dinh Thi, and Do Nhuan. Even though there are others written more professionally, they cannot match the spirit of this revolutionary period. The historical value of these songs, which will live forever, are even greater than their artistic value. These are irreplaceable tunes.”

August Revolution songs have been enjoyed and loved by generations of listeners. Each song was closely associated with one of Vietnam’s glorious historical milestones.

Written in 1944, Van Cao’s “Marching song” spread to the Viet Bac Revolutionary Base and throughout the secret bases of resistance in Hanoi. On August 19, 1945, this song echoed in the streets of Hanoi and was chosen by the National Congress in Tan Trao as the official song of the Viet Minh Front.

Also written during this period was “Wipe out the fascists” by Nguyen Dinh Thi, which later became the official signature tune of Radio the Voice of Vietnam. Another song called ‘Guerrilla’ by Do Nhuan was also secretly popularized among revolutionaries in the capital city, according to artist Trung Kien: “August Revolution songs shouldered historical responsibilities and it’s impossible to separate them from their historical context. When any artist sings these songs, they should feel the emotion of this period so they can convey the exact spirit of that time.”

Songs in praise of the revolution combine patriotism with the harmonies of traditional music. Singer Lan Anh, who is a lecturer at the Vietnam National Academy of Music, shared her thoughts with VOV:“Singers like Anh Tho, Trong Tan, Viet Hoan, Dang Duong and I are those whose names are closely associated with revolutionary songs, especially during the yearly national celebrations. I feel happy and honored to sing these songs which are not only very interesting melodically and lyrically but are also of great historical significance.”