Hue royal court music: A UNESCO cultural treasure

Contents

1. History of Hue royal court music

Hue royal court music has a long history, originating in the early years of the Ly Dynasty (1010 – 1225). It flourished in Hue during the Nguyen Dynasty (1802 – 1945). With refined qualities, it was frequently performed during royal ceremonies and worship rituals, becoming an indispensable art form in the court then. Closely associated with the royal court, it was developed into a formal, standardized art form with hundreds of musical compositions.

Hue court music was an essential part of the Nguyen Dynasty’s court (Source: Collected)

After the Nguyen Dynasty ended in 1945, Hue royal court music faced the risk of being lost. From 1992, efforts to preserve this art form were implemented, gradually gaining international recognition. In 1994, UNESCO held an international conference of experts on intangible cultural heritage in Hue, where a national program for the restoration and study of Hue court music was presented to UNESCO.

In 2003, Hue royal court music was recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. From 2008, it was referred to as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity from 2008 and became Vietnam’s first intangible heritage recognized globally.

Over hundreds of years, Hue royal refined music has been preserved through various forms such as orchestras and dances. Today, the artistic values of this intangible heritage have been tirelessly preserved, handed down, and promoted by generations of artists.

2. Forms of Hue royal court music

Hue royal court music has three main forms: Large-scale orchestras (Dan Dai nhac), small-scale orchestras (Dan Tieu nhac), and court dances (Mua cung dinh).

2.1. Large-scale orchestras (Dan Dai nhac)

Dan Dai nhac performed at sacred ceremonies (Source: Collected)

Dan Dai nhac is often performed in the most important ceremonies, characterized by its large volume and emphasis on drums and trumpets. It is often used in rituals such as the Nam Giao Offering or temple worship ceremonies. The structure of Dan Dai nhac includes percussive instruments like trong com (rice drums), wind instruments like ken (Vietnamese trumpets), and string instruments like dan nhi (two-stringed fiddle).

2.2. Small-scale orchestras (Dan Tieu nhac)

Dan Tieu nhac brought a lighter, more cheerful atmosphere (Source: Collected)

Another orchestra form of Hue royal court music is Dan Tieu nhac. Compared to Dan Dai nhac, this orchestra features more stable musical compositions with a light and cheerful tone. It is often used during royal banquets or grand celebrations. The melodies are gentle and not as solemn or sorrowful as those of Dan Dai nhac, and the volume is moderate.

Dan Tieu nhac’s instruments includes percussive instruments like trong bang (bang drums), wind instruments like sao (flutes), and string instruments like dan nguyet (moon lute), dan ty ba (pear-shaped lute), dan tam huyen (three-string lute), and dan nhi (two-stringed fiddle).

2.3. Court dances (Mua cung dinh)

Court dances are incredibly captivating (Source: Collected)

Court dances during the Nguyen Dynasty inherited both folk and royal dances from previous dynasties, then enhanced them and created new moves that reflected the distinctive performing arts of the era. Court dances were mostly group performances with themes expressed through formations and concluded with a unified pose. Notable court dances include Bat Dat Dance, Luc Cung Hoa Dang Dance, and Qilin Dance.

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3. Values of Hue royal court music

Within the treasure trove of Vietnamese folk music, Hue royal court music has been widely circulated among the people through various festivals, rituals, and music programs. Sacred yet accessible, this music has been cherished and passed down through generations. Its dances and lyrics are diverse, containing profound content. These values give Hue court music a distinctive style, setting it apart from other music genres.

Hue royal court music has significantly influenced other art forms in the region, such as Hue folk singing and tuong singing. It also transcended its birthplace, spreading to southern Vietnam and contributing to the emergence of new performing arts like Don ca tai tu singing and Cai luong singing.

Hue royal refined music has profoundly influenced Vietnamese music for centuries (Source: Collected)

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4. Places to enjoy Hue royal court music

Nowadays, performances of Hue royal refined music are often held outdoors, in temples, and Duyet Thi Duong Ancient Theater. Visitors to Hue can visit the theater and the Perfume River to see this art form.

4.1. Duyet Thi Duong Ancient Theater

Duyet Thi Duong Ancient Theater was built in 1826 under Emperor Minh Mang. It served as a royal theater where royal families enjoyed traditional art forms, particularly royal court music. Today, the theater has been restored and reopened to preserve works of Hue royal court music that are at risk of being lost, bringing this art form closer to the public. Notable performances at this theater include Trong Thai Binh, Tam Luan Cuu Chuyen (Dan Dai Nhac), Phu Luc Dich, Kim Tien (Dan Tieu Nhac), Luc Cung Hoa Dang (court dances), and tuong singing excerpts.

Information on the performances at Duyet Thi Duong Ancient Theater:

• Ticket price: 300,000 VND
• Schedule:
  • Morning: 10:00 AM – 10:35 AM
  • Afternoon: 3:00 PM – 3:35 PM
• Duration: 35 minutes

Enjoy Hue royal court music at Duyet Thi Duong Ancient Theater (Source: Collected)

4.2. Perfume River

Besides Duyet Thi Duong Ancient Theater, tourists can also purchase tickets to cruise along the serene Perfume River in a dragon boat and immerse themselves in the soothing melodies of Hue royal court music. These tours are a must-try for all visitors to Hue. Here, you can not only enjoy folk songs about Hue but also admire the picturesque views of Truong Tien Bridge at night, and release lanterns on the river for good fortune.

Information on the performances on the Perfume River:

• Ticket price:
  • 120,000 VND for on-site purchases at the dock
  • 90,000 VND for online purchases
• Schedule: 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM, 9:00 PM, 9:30 PM
• Duration: 50-60 minutes

Take a boat ride and listen to Hue folk songs on the Perfume River (Source: Collected)

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*Note: The information in this article is for reference purposes only and may be subject to change over time.

Hue royal court music is a timeless treasure that embodies Vietnam’s cultural heritage. As a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, it continues to captivate audiences with its refined melodies and vibrant dances Whether enjoyed at Duyet Thi Duong Ancient Theater or on the Perfume River, it offers an unforgettable journey into the elegance of Vietnam’s royal past.

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