A book of vong co (nostalgia) songs written by People's Artist Vien Chau, one of the southern region's most famous writers of cai luong (reformed opera), has been released in HCM City. — Photo sandien24h.vn

HCM CITY (VNS) — A book of vong co (nostalgia) songs written by People's Artist Vien Chau, one of the southern region's most famous writers of cai luong (reformed opera), has been released in HCM City.

Vong co songs, which feature the character of southern people, are used mostly in cai luong plays.

The 400-page book, Soan Gia Vien Chau-100 Bai Vong Co Dac Sac (Scriptwriter Vien Chau's 100 Best Vong Co Songs), includes four chapters on history, society, love and comedy.

It includes Chau's 100 songs of friendship, love and dreams, highlighting the country's history, culture and lifestyle.

The book was collected and compiled by Huynh Cong Tin, a cultural researcher who has spent several years studying the traditional culture of southern Viet Nam.

Tin received financial support from the National University of HCM City on completing his book. He worked hard to write explanations of archaic words and historic events used in the songs.

Printed by the National Politic Publishing House, the book is valuable for theatre lecturers and researchers, and students from art schools and institutes.

Chau was born in a traditional family in 1922 in Tra Vinh Province. He worked for dozens of leading cai luong troupes such as Thanh Nga Cai Luong Troupe, Da Ly Huong, Tan Hoa Lan and Tran Huu Trang Cai Luong Theatre.

He has written and composed several hundred vong co songs and dozens of cai luong plays.

His highlighted plays include Chuyen Tinh Lan va Diep (Love Story of Lan and Diep), Sau Buc Man Nhung (Behind the Velvet Curtain) and Tinh Mau Tu (Mother's Love), all in praise of women.

His vong co songs combine traditional tunes and western music.

As a music player, Chau has travelled around the country and to many countries like Italy and France to introduce cai luong to the world.

Chau , who lives in HCM City, has also worked for art schools to train theatre students. — VNS