Viet Nam: Hát Chèo: Traditional Folk Theatre

Hát chèo is a form of popular musical theatre dating back to the 11th century. Appreciated especially in the northern part of the country, the historical plays and social satires portray village characters such as farmers, herdsmen, craftsmen, and landowners. In addition, the singers also play the roles of clowns, drunks, and madwomen, criticizing and making fun of the village authorities in their performances. The traditional hát chèo musical ensemble consists of two-string fiddles, flute, and drums while modern re-creations use more instruments. This recording dates from the 1970s and includes the performances of several acknowledged hát chèo masters. The album was annotated by Vietnamese musicologist Tr?n Van Khê. This album is part of the UNESCO Collection of Traditional Music.

Track Listing

101	Thi Nhip; Vo Nuoc (Prologue) Hông Vân and Thanh Hoài	04:16
102	Noi Su Ghe Râu; Noi Ke (Declamation) Bui Trong Dan	04:06
103	Sap Cô Phong (Happy Song in Ancient Style) Bac Phâm	02:28
104	Sap Qua Câu (Crossing the Bridge: Happy Song) Bac Nam Ngu	04:32
105	Duong Truong Tai Luong (In the Expectation: Sad Song) Bac Minh Ly	05:40
106	Hat Van Câm (Sad Song) Bac Phâm	02:48
107	Sa Lêch Bang (Happy Song) Bac Phâm	02:36
108	Bai Phû Thuy (Sorcerer's Chant from the Play Xuy Vân) Bac Nam Ngu	07:02
109	Noi Lêch / Câm Gia (Declamation: Song / Role of Thi Mâu, from the Play Quan Am Thi Kinh) Bac Phâm	05:58
110	Ke Hanh / Hat Ru Ke (Declamation: Song / Role of Thi Kinh, from the Play Quan Am Thi Kinh) Bac Minh Ly	04:46
111	Lâo Say (Old Drunkard's Song) Manh Tuân	02:03
112	Hê Môi (Song of Clown with a Torch) Bac Nam Ngu	03:45