CA TRU – one of the world’s treasures of traditional music
As one of the treasures of traditional music, Ca Tru is a fragile, intangible cultural heritage of Vietnam recognized by UNESCO. Last time, I had the chance to soak up in its rhythm — a musical form dating back more than 1000 years. Once a popular form of entertainment for the wealthy and royal court, Ca Tru may be challenging to appreciate at first, but its haunting melodies will linger in your mind long after you hear them.
Exploring the Unique Vocal Artistry of Ca Tru
The most common form of Ca Tru involves only 3 performers: a female singer (named “Dao Nuong”), a three stringed lute player and a spectator. It is the singer’s vocal methods that fascinate me the most. Ranked as the 20th world’s most unique vocal technique, this sophisticated method makes singers look like they are pursing their lips while singing but still involves vocal articulation, hence creating unique ornamented sounds. If you are familiar with opera singing where the singer’s mouth are widely opened when singing high notes, get your brand new experience with Ca Tru to immerse in the great variety of traditional music from all over the world.
While acknowledging the significance of vocal music, all the instruments play in harmony with one another making it as important as vocal element. The backbone of the singer is the “Phach” played as percussion with two wooden sticks beaten together on a small bamboo bar. Notably, the two wooden sticks which are called “Phach Cai” and “Phach Con” produce different sharp sounds of the clicks and clacks. On the other hand, the three stringed lute (“Dan Day”) with its the long neck produce a deep and mysterious sound, creating an unique musical contrast.
A Hidden Gem Among the Treasures of Traditional Music
Last but not least, the praise drum (“Trống Chầu”) stands out as a symbolic and functional centerpiece in Ca Trù performances. Crafted meticulously from buffalo hide and jackfruit wood, the drum produces the distinct percussive tones of “chat” and “tom” — not merely as rhythm, but as language. More than a musical instrument, it serves as a dialogue between the artist and the audience, between tradition and innovation. The drum master strikes it to encourage a singer’s vocal finesse or to subtly critique a missed note or faltering rhythm — turning the performance into a lively, interactive experience.
Traditionally, this interaction extended to the audience. Spectators would toss bamboo tokens into a communal bowl, each marked with a denomination representing how much they valued the singer’s performance. It wasn’t just appreciation; it was patronage — a form of democratic support for art, long before the digital age of tipping or likes.
While the music might sound delicate and effortless to the untrained ear, the reality behind the scenes is one of rigor and discipline. The instrumentalists and vocalists undergo years of dedicated practice to master the art. “It took a beginner 6 to 10 years to master the vocal and phách technique,” shared Thuy Chi, one of the youngest recognized Ca Trù singers today. The phách, a small bamboo percussion instrument, sets the meter and requires uncanny precision — each beat a testament to control, nuance, and expression.
Sadly, Ca Trù’s journey hasn’t been smooth. Once vibrant and integral to Vietnamese court and cultural life, it saw steep decline due to historical conflicts and decades of neglect. However, in recent years, passionate individuals and cultural clubs have worked hard to breathe life back into this fading form. Efforts like those from Ca Trù Thăng Long Club offer a unique window into this world. Here, travelers can witness live performances in an intimate setting and even try their hand at the instruments themselves.
So, beyond the more globally recognized water puppet shows, consider Ca Trù — a hidden gem that reveals a deeper layer of Northern Vietnam’s artistic soul. It’s not just a show; it’s an invitation to step into the heart of a centuries-old musical conversation.
