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| Keyed up: Pianist Nguyen Anh 9 has composed about 30 songs mostly about broken love. — File Photo |
HA NOI — Pianist Nguyen Anh 9 will celebrate 50 years in music with an one-night concert in Ha Noi's Au Co Theatre on Thursday.
The concert will be the first held by the HCM-based pianist in the capital and will feature singers from around the nation.
The veteran pianist, whose full name is Nguyen Dinh Anh, was born in Phan Rang, Ninh Thuan Province, in 1940.
He developed an interest in the piano at an early age. He dreamed about the piano when his father bought one for his brother and sister.
To fulfil his dream of becoming a professional pianist, Anh was forced to leave home. A decade later, that boy became pianist Nguyen Anh 9.
His pen-name Nguyen Anh 9 followed a number of significant events occurring on the ninth - including his wedding day and writing his first song, Khong (No), in September, the ninth month.
During a half-century career, he has composed about 30 songs and compiled one album. The tunes are semi-classic, swing, cha-cha-cha or Boston.
All Anh's songs are about broken love, most composed to the memory of his former girlfriend.
One of his favourite compositions is Co Don (Aloneness).
"The song is typical of my music," he said. "It was also inspired by Chopin."
The musician says his work aims to celebrate the value of love.
"If one day on the street I see a lovelorn person who sings my favourite song Buon Oi Chao Mi (Goodbye My Sadness), I am very happy because my music can speak to others, share their feelings and help them overcome the pain of love," he said.
In 2000, the veteran pianist gave up playing when electronic instruments became the rage. "I was seriously stressed and didn't want to play piano any more," he said.
He thanks singer Anh Tuyet who convinced him to perform on her show in Ha Noi. After the performance, Anh 9 returned to the stage.
"I know I was wrong and I feel guilty. Music is all my life. Hanoians inspired me again," he said.
The composer, who also writes film music, plays his piano at his Tieng Duong Cam Cafe in HCM City every night.
On Thursday, romantic songs will be performed by known singers and a nine-member orchestra with nine violinists.
The pianist will play piano duo with his son, composer Nguyen Quang and Ha Noi-based singer-pianist Thuy Dung. — VNS