1.

When/Where (Hải Anh)

Ca Trù, a traditional Vietnamese music genre, holds a significant place in the cultural heritage of Vietnam,
particularly in the Northern and North Central regions. Its roots can be traced back to the 11th century, and it
has been cherished and celebrated ever since. In the past, Ca Trù was predominantly associated with royalty,
aristocracy, and intellectuals, reflecting its close connection to the elite class of society.
Known by various names such as "hát ả đào" or "hát nói" in Vietnamese, Ca Trù is characterized by its
unique style of combining singing and talking. This distinctive feature sets it apart and adds to its allure and
charm.

2. Performers (Phạm Linh)

A Ca Trù singing session comprises three essential components:

1. Ả Đào: This role holds utmost significance in a Ca Trù performance. The Ả Đào artist takes on the
responsibility of both singing and setting the rhythm by tapping beats, thus embodying the soul of a Ca Trù
song. Through the mesmerizing voice of Ả Đào, the aesthetic essence of Ca Trù's poetic verses is brought to
life and conveyed to the audience.

2. Kép: Another pivotal member of the Ca Trù ensemble, the artist plays the lute to accompany Ả Đào's
singing, and at times, even joins in the vocal performance. Their contribution adds depth and harmony to the
overall musical experience.

3. Song author, also referred to as "quan viên": This individual assumes the role of beating the drum during
the performance to punctuate and accentuate the moments of praise with its resonating sound. Their skillful
drumming enhances the rhythmic elements and reinforces the emotional impact of the song.

Together, these three components form the core foundation of a captivating Ca Tru singing session.

3. Instruments (Đức Phương)

Ca Trù has 4 musical instruments: đàn đáy, cỗ phách, cặp sênh and trống chầu. The đàn đáy, a three-stringed
lute, produces melodic lines and rhythmic patterns. The trống chầu, a two-headed drum, provides percussive
accompaniment; while the phách, a wooden clapper, adds rhythmic accents. These are the fundamental
musical instruments used to accompany singing and dance. A Ca Trù’s acoustic resonance cannot exist
without đàn đáy and cỗ phách. Ca Trù’s distinct sound can only be created with the assistance of these two
specialized instruments. These two musical instruments are not represented in any other traditional art form.

4. Types (Phi Long)

Ca Trù, a traditional Vietnamese music genre, encompasses five distinct performance settings. These include
gravely singing at the communal house gate, referred to as "hát thờ," singing at the king's palace known as
"hát cung đình" or "hát chúc hỗ," singing at home called "hát nhà tơ," participating in singing competitions,
and singing without any specific themes known as "hát chơi."

Within the realm of Ca Trù, there are various terms used to describe singing melodies, dance styles,
performances, rites, and exams. When referring to the singing melody style, the terms "style" and "melody"
are interchangeable. For instance, examples of these styles include Hát nói and Bắc phản. A tune can either
be a standalone song or a collection of songs, with each song possessing its own unique lyrics and name.

5. Costumes (Đức Phương)

1. Áo dài
2. Conical hat
3. Traditional fabrics
5. Jewelry