Ca Trù's Founder Commemoration Day 2020

Today’s Doodle, illustrated by Ho Chi Minh City-based guest artist Xuan Le, celebrates Ca Trù’s Founders Commemoration Day, a time to honor the genre widely considered to be Vietnam’s most revered traditional form of music.

A style that fits somewhere in between the geisha ceremonies of Japan and the dramatic performances of opera, Ca trù’s unique sound has roots that stretch back to the 11th century. First gaining popularity as entertainment for the aristocracy of Vietnam’s royal palaces, it later made its way into the inns and communal spaces of what is now modern-day Hanoi. 

The ensemble is composed of at least three performers, including one female singing intricate poetry while tapping a phach (a small bamboo box), two musicians playing traditional instruments, and occasionally dancers. Ca trù is now found in cities across Vietnam. 

Performed in designated Ca trù clubs and at annual festivals, the genre has seen a recent revival due to a concentrated effort from state-run organizations and international agencies. Preservation of Ca trù is elusive due in part to it being a strictly oral tradition that is passed down only through one elite practitioner to the next generation after years of committed study. 

Taking into account the precious nature of an invaluable historical relic and the difficulty of its safeguarding, UNESCO is dedicated to protecting the practice and inscribed Ca trù on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2009.  

Guest Artist Q&A with Xuan Le

Today’s Doodle was illustrated by Ho Chi Minh City-based guest artist Xuan Le. Below, he shares his thoughts behind the making of this Doodle:
 

Q: Why was this topic meaningful to you personally? 

A: Nowadays, many types of music have been formed and developed to suit the tastes of a large audience. They reach and disseminate to people faster on the mass media. Therefore, some traditional and contemporary folk music may be gradually forgotten and may fall into an urgent need for conservation. It was great to have the opportunity to convey the picture of Ca trù performers - one of the traditional music genres in my country. It has been around since the 15th century and is preserved to this day.

Q: What were your first thoughts when you were approached about the project?

A: Working on this Doodle is the exciting opportunity I've been waiting for. This topic is very suitable for me.

Q: Did you draw inspiration from anything in particular for this Doodle? 

A: I watched Ca trù music clips and was inspired by the way they played. I deeply felt the lyrics and the instrument.

Q: What message do you hope people take away from your Doodle?

A: Ca trù has been included in UNESCO's List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding and is in danger of disappearing in the future. I hope this Doodle will make people curious to learn more and love this art.

Early concepts and drafts of the Doodle