Art of the Vietnamese Zither

The difference between Western and Far East music is mainly due to the way the music is listened to and shared. In the West, the same music is played in different countries for religious purposes or entertainment. Mozart, himself an Austrian, could be played in Russia, France, and Italy. Chopin's works appeal to the British as well as the Polish. In Far East music, because of the tonal characteristics of the languages, as well as it being destined for Imperial and Aristocratic circles, or again due to parts being sung for theater pieces in each country's mother tongue, is not shared between the people of different nations. Japan does not play Korean music; Vietnam does not sing Chinese pieces. Music in the Far East reflects one's identity, roots, origins, or culture. But it may be unknown elsewhere. Vietnamese music originated in the third century BC. During different dynasties, it was influenced by Chinese and Cham music, it's two closest neighbors. But it also developed his own identity. Tri Nguyen is a master of the Vietnamese zither, the dan-tranh. With ancient techniques and teachings from the different regions of the country, while occasionally incorporating other instruments from Vietnam and around the world, Tri shows us the beauty and versatility of the dan-tranh.

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