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V.
THE ORNAMENTATIONS
Ornamentations determine the
Mode. They are the predominant feature of Vietnamese music.
In speaking of Vietnamese traditional music, one must differentiate
between many other styles from the South, the Center and the
North and has a correct mastery of the meaning of the note
pitches and their ornamentations.
VI.
THE EXECUTION
Vietnamese
music, quite sophisticated and dense in ideas presents a real
opportunity for interpretation by a range of fine musicians.
The rhythm and temp may vary, but the music always remains
within the melody. In order to bring new vitality to the melody,
the traditional musician remains free to introduce different
types of variations on it according to his inspiration at
the moment. The success of his performance depends on how
effectively he builds up the desired mood. Thus, each performance
of a known piece so carried out takes on a different aspect,
and this counter-balances the limitation of the repertoire.
This difference is similar to that found between Jazz music
as it is written and as it is performed. Very often, Vietnamese
listeners are not listening to a composition, but to the rendering
of music by such or such musician.
VII.
THE IMPROVISED PRELUDE
Before interpreting a piece of music, the musician has the
habit to play some improvisation phrases of his own invention,
in free rhythm, following an original and an unpredicted design
in the Mode of the piece.
There
are no definite rules governing the prelude. The prelude allows
the musician to check again the tension of the strings, finding
the inspiration for him, and creates a good atmosphere for
the listeners.
