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Story Y MY
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A new spirit has been infused into Tet music in recent years, with rap, R&B, and world music influences blending traditional values with modernity.
First spring, first love
The sound of birds singing and the sight of tender green buds evoke memories of spring in the hearts of Vietnamese people. The changing season heralds a new beginning, as in My Linh’s classic song Whispering Spring: “And I have learned to speak the first love/ Spring has given me your gaze.” In its subtlety, affection is exchanged through the metaphor of a breeze; this reverence for nature finds its way into poetry and music.
If Mariah Carey is dubbed the “Queen of Christmas” in America, then in Vietnam, the “Queen of Spring Music” is none other than the short-haired diva My Linh. Her vibrant voice seems to ignite the essence of spring, the season of blossoming and fresh starts. Her standout performances include: Thi tham mua xuan (Whispering Spring) by Ngoc Chau; Khuc Giao Mua (Seasonal Transition) by Huy Tuan; Hoa Co Mua Xuan (Spring Flowers) by Bao Chan; Lang Nghe Mua Xuan Ve (Listening to Spring Arrive) by Duong Thu; and Phut Giao Thua Lang Le (Silent New Year’s Eve) by Anh Quan & Huy Tuan. These songs are embody the spirit and style of the 90s and remain favorites for many during the early days of the new year.
The passage of time is reflected in musical works. Over 20 years, Vietnamese pop music has made significant strides not only in orchestration but also in lyrics. The beauty of nature in spring was a muse for older generations of composers, portraying “tender green buds” that can be both discreet and ethereal: “Holding your hand, your soft willow-like hand/ Listening to the colors of spring returning.” These are delicate and sweet metaphors rich in imagery: “Look at the distant chirping of birds/ The peach blossoms suddenly seem to smile/ Announcing that spring is here.”
The traditional nuances and indirect expressions by musicians make spring appear shy and modest. Spring is not merely a season; it embodies the happiness of reunion and gathering. People use Tet (Lunar New Year) as an opportunity to express things that have remained unsaid throughout the year, which is why its songs resonate with deep empathy and emotion.
A new spring outfit
The spirit of traditional Tet continues through contemporary musical works, imbued with inspiration from melodies and lyrics steeped in cultural heritage. Vietnamese people are accustomed to wishing for love and fortune during the early days of the year. This flow is mirrored in modern music infused with folk elements in new songs like Hoi tho mua xuan (Breath of Spring); Gieo que (Casting Lots) by Hoang Linh; Cau duyen (Wishing for Love) from Go Ride the Wind and Break the Waves 2024 reality TV show; and Be trap (Engagement Ceremony) by Trang Phap. The common thread among these works is the image of modern women who are acutely aware of their allure and worth. This marks a philosophical milestone showcasing how modern sensibilities have been woven into contemporary music.
In Cau duyen (Wishing for Love), singer Bui Lan Huong delivers an enchanting rendition of a folk song set to electronic music: “Clear water flows around the pagoda/ If you don’t love me, I’ll cast a spell to make you love me.” It’s no wonder that Tet inspires a mindset of “casting away the old to welcome the new,” seeking beautiful beginnings for the new year. This perspective on love highlights a blend of modern boldness and traditional values.
The combination of music and fashion in performances is also a noteworthy highlight. Collections by designers such as Ly Giam Tien and Thuy Nguyen, when showcased against electronic music like Hanoi (Co Doi Thuong Ngan) by Red Axes or Viet Rice Band, subtly evoke spring within melodies. This unique fusion of visual and auditory experiences offers audiences multidimensional artistic encounters.
The interplay between entertainment and academia, fashion and art, along with the explosion of online platforms, have opened vast new spaces for creative arrangements. “When Tet comes, I won’t pick up the phone/ When Tet comes, I won’t pick up the phone because I’m rushing home to celebrate with family.” These lyrics from Nhu hoa mua xuan (Like Flowers in Spring) by Phung Khanh Linh and Wren Evans depict Tet realistically with cheerful music and relatable Gen Z language, refreshing melodies that have resonated deeply with Vietnamese hearts for decades.
Amid countless songs expressing various sentiments, the concept of spring harmonizes with messages of reunion, continuity and new beginnings to welcome a vibrant year ahead. As Duong Thu wrote in Danh thuc tam xuan (Awakening Spring): “Wake up now, my innocent spring flower.” These are not just budding flowers waiting to bloom; they also represent blessings that spread bright hopes within each of us.
