INTRODUCTION

TO VIETNAMESE MUSIC

                     by Nguyễn Vĩnh Bảo                                                       

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• The Ðàn Ty`Bà - a four nylon strings pearl-shaped lute

This lute bears the name Biwa in Japan and Pipa in China. The typical tuning of these four strings is usually:

Strings    4    3    2    1

             DO    FA    SOL    DO

                   C    F        G         C

 

The frets themselves are more than an inch high. One may simply press the strings down on the top of each fret. This produces a definite pitch, but the number of pitches available is limited to the number of frets.

In the classic style, the strings are plucked with five fingers of the right hand; the percussion of the plectrum is not used. It is eminently suitable for the accompaniment of storytellers. A wide vibrato and a left hand pizzicato are also common.

• The Ðàn Tam - a fretless instrument with 3 nylon strings,
  similar to the Japanese Shamisen.

  The body is made of one piece of wood, carved inside to improve the tone greatly. The top is covered with boa or cat skin. The three nylon strings are attached to a rope tail piece at the lower end and to three large pegs above. The tone is its most unique aspect. The basic tuning is:

  Strings:               3        2       1

   DO   FA  DO

 

which consists of a perfect fourth and a perfect fifth. The Dan Tam is ideal for narrating a story.

• The Ðàn Cò or Ðàn Nhi. - horse-hair bow instrument
  

  It has a cylindrical sound box with one side closed by a piece of snake skin which forms the tympanums. The bow is made with bamboo and horse-hair and is engaged between two ropes. Its two strings are divided in their median by a kind of movable crochet called a “khuyê't dàn”. The musician can move the crochet either directions in order to modify the length of its vibrating strings instead of using its wooden pegs. Its tone is similar to that of the Western violin. One finds its sounds moving, infinitely sad, especially in funeral processions.

• The Ðàn Gáo - coconut viola
  

  Its sound box is made with a plain coconut. It differs a little from the “Ðàn Cò” or “Ðàn Nhi.” because its timbre is soft.

  In the past, the “Ðàn Nguyê.t” or “Ðàn Kìm” as well as the “Ðàn Ty`Bà”, the “Ðàn Tam”, the “Ðàn Cò” and the “Ðàn Gáo” were equipped with twisted silk strings; however, nylon strings are now being used.

  Since 1936, with the integration of the Western violin, the “Ðàn Cò” and the “Ðàn Gáo” have lost a little bit of their popularity.

• The ô'ng Tiêu - straight flute
  

  It is usually a simple bamboo pipe with five holes.