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The Vietnamese music has been greatly influenced by Chinese and Indian cultures. Finding India’s name is slightly surprising because impact of Chinese and Japanese cultures have always been given more coverage in Vietnamese music. But there is historical evidence of Indian influence in shaping up of Vietnamese music. It is believed that India inspired composition of musical tunes in the music of Vietnam.
The history goes back to Lyu dynasties when India inspired this country whereas Chinese influence can be traced back to Hoang Nouc dynasty. During initial era, songs were mostly emotional. Sad themes were the preferred ones. There are names for such emotions like Nam Ai, Nam Khach, Nam Binh and Nam Thuong.
As and when Vietnam came in contact with western civilization, western music also started to make inroads into Vietnamese music. Apart from Indian, Chinese and western music, the music of Vietnam also has elements of Mangolia and other neighboring countries. Presence of ethnic communities has helped in making music more colorful in the country. However, Chinese music still has a predominant presence in the local music. Even the instruments and musical theories have been accommodated from Chinese culture.
Talking about folk music tradition of the country, it has elements of spirituality and religion. Buddhism is very much evident in folk music of the country. The cultural diversity of this tiny country is very striking. Its music has a distinctive flavor that is greatly relished by its citizens. The musicians of the country have often experimented with instruments and notes and that has resulted in new range of music.
With changing times, the taste for music is also changing. New genres have arrived in a big way and country’s youths have taken a strong liking to forms like pop, rock, hip-hop, R & B and western classical music. Some of the famous artists in the country are, Pham Duy, Di, Cao, Thanh Tung and Ming Tuy.
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