Music has become an integral part of the international fireworks contests in Da Nang. Viet Nam News talks with Nguyen Duc, leader of the Hoa Xuong Rong (Cactus Flowers) group, which has composed the final chapter in the piece of music for the Vietnamese team's performance tonight.
What are the most important things composers have to interpret through the music?
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Fireworks promise the wierd and wonderful
DA NANG — Peace, happiness and strange experiences are what competitors have promised to bring to tonight's fireworks show in Da Nang. This is what representatives from competing teams had to say about the show when asked:
Motohiro Sonoda – Japan: We are Oriental people so we understand the value of profound experiences in life. What lies behind magnificent moments in the sky? Through this competition we want to spread ideas of peace and hope with people. Peace will never grow old and hopes will cease to exist. Don't you agree?
Rocco Vitale – the US: We choose popular music that anybody can listen and swing to. We hope people will come closer to one another and hold hands while dancing as they watch our performance. After all, how could they resist? Let your souls wander with melodies and follow the lights dancing in the sky. In a romantic atmosphere like this our souls will dance merrily.
Laurent Jeffaut – France: Lac Long Quan and Au Co. As a Vietnamese person these names can suggest many things to you. But what do you think about the fact that French people will perform this theme? A pure-Vietnamese subject developed with French romantic inspiration promises to be even more attractive. Here I want to stress that our music, when played to the melody of lights in the sky, will give you an ecstatic experience of wonderful tones and romantic feelings.
Joaquim Melo – Portugal: We have a very special reason for coming to Da Nang City. Maybe it's because of the people's charm and hospitality or maybe just the charm of the Han River. Our performance will describe the Han River pouring swiftly into the sea using symbols of dragon and fire, but our music will be free and easy. This combination will portray the contrast of a fierce yet gentle river, a special characteristic of Da Nang. — VNS |
The music must highlight what has been presented in the script which has five chapters describing the legend of the Han River from the early times when the very first people came to settle here, through the wars of national salvation until the present day, where Da Nang is a city full of vitality.
In our part – Chapter 5 – we have to represent a young, modern, dynamic, green, clean and beautiful city. The music will bring a message of peace, friendship and hospitality from Da Nang citizens, who are spreading their hands to welcome friends from every part of the world. It will also feature love and the aspirations of local people.
What material do you use to depict these themes?
Audiences will recognise the rhythm of Ho Giut Chi, a folk-song popularised by Quang Nam - Da Nang fishermen in their working life, but we use a rock symphony as genre for the music, with a high tide made up of electric guitar and high violin sounds. An ocean-going vessel whistle can also be heard when the fireworks describe the Han River water pouring into the sea.
The electronic sounds accompanying traditional singing, together with continuous changes in melodies, are necessary to demonstrate the energy of a young city.
What are the differences between writing music for firework performances and writing a normal piece?
I find it simpler when I compose a song for which audiences can close their eyes to enjoy. It's difficult to write a symphony for audiences to listen to when they keep their eyes open to take in a fireworks display. We must work very seriously to assure the harmony between fireworks and musical effects. But it's an interesting task, and I'm very enthusiastic to see how our work is performed.
As a music composer for an international cultural event like this, how do you feel?
This is a good chance for us to rub shoulders with international competitors who come from countries known for both their fireworks and musical achievements. Through occasions like this, we can see to what levels our music has reached. — VNS