Tan Phat - storyteller through music

Joy on the creative journey

Almost every year, musician Huynh Tan Phat, former Deputy Director in charge of Sao Bien Folk Music and Dance Theater, has joy on his creative journey. In the middle of this year, within 2 months, he received 2 consecutive good news: the song "Story of Tuyet Giang" won first prize in the Literary and Artistic Composition Contest (songs and stage scripts) about Trang Trinh Nguyen Binh Khiem, organized by the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Hai Phong; the song "Dong Hoa rising to the heights" was awarded second prize in the Song Composition Contest praising the homeland of Dong Hoa (now in Dak Lak province). These two awards contribute to enriching the "collection" of music awards of the musician born in 1964.

Tan Phat confided that when he participated in the Literary and Artistic Composition Contest about Trang Trinh Nguyen Binh Khiem, he was not very confident about winning a prize, because this was a contest that was widely implemented nationwide, the prize structure for the song category only had 3 prizes: first, second, third, so the chances for the authors were quite low. Therefore, when he received the information that he won a prize, and an A prize, his joy was multiplied many times.

Musician Tan Phat. Photo: HSTIEN

“Music awards are very meaningful to musicians. It is a recognition of their creativity, a source of encouragement for them to continue composing valuable musical works, serving the needs of society. And moreover, it is an affirmation of the stature and value of an art work not only in big cities, cultural and political centers of the country,” the musician shared.

Mr. Tan Phat was trained in Tuong and started his career at Phu Khanh Tuong Troupe, then joined Hau Giang Song and Dance Troupe. At the end of 1990, he returned to his hometown and joined Sao Bien Song and Dance Troupe - the predecessor of Sao Bien Folk Song and Dance Theatre under the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Dak Lak. Here, Mr. Tan Phat was known as a singer for 6 years, until he was appointed deputy head of the troupe. Performing songs from many genres, but his forte is folk songs. Admitting that he "sings okay, not very convincing to listeners", but with the song "Oi K'rong Hinh", singer Tan Phat was awarded a Silver Medal at the National Professional Song and Dance Festival in 1995.

During his time as a singer, Mr. Tan Phat experimented with composing and improving his musical knowledge. After attending a short training course in Ho Chi Minh City, he confidently embarked on his creative journey.

Musical imprints

“Vong phu” - a song with the folk melody of zone 5 - marked the first mark of musician Tan Phat. At the 2003 National Professional Music and Dance Festival held in Buon Ma Thuot City (now Buon Ma Thuot Ward, Dak Lak Province), the soulful singing and dancing performance by singer Thanh Van and the dance group conquered the judges and the audience, bringing home a Gold Medal. This is the Gold Medal that opened a series of brilliant achievements for the trio Tan Phat - composer, Xuan Huy - arranger and Thanh Van - singer, at national professional music and dance festivals, contributing to the impressive series of achievements of Sao Bien Folk Music and Dance Theater, and making an important contribution to Thanh Van being awarded the title of Meritorious Artist.

Musician Tan Phat shared: “I have a little strength in contemporary folk music because my starting point is traditional theater. This is a music genre that not many people exploit, so there are still many sources of materials and I am still taking advantage of this opportunity”. One of the contemporary folk songs that bears the creative mark of musician Tan Phat is “Fisherman’s Short Song” - Gold Medal of the National Professional Music and Dance Festival in 2012. The melody is swaying. The singing is swaying. The listeners are silent in the range of emotions that this dramatic song brings. Singer Thanh Van’s singing is swaying and soaring. Then, joy is soaked in the sweet lyrics at the end: “ Today the boat returns safely/ Leisurely, the sails are full to catch the wind/ Life still goes back, because having a love for the sea/ Even if there are storms, the boat will sail far away” . Then came “Han” - a fierce song with a strong melody and lyrics, which helped singer Thanh Van win the Silver Medal at the National Professional Music and Dance Festival in 2015. And “Goi dau len song cho anh” - a song full of anxiety, brought home the Gold Medal at the National Music and Dance Festival in 2018. Then came “Duyen” - Gold Medal at the National Music and Dance Festival in 2021, A prize at the Music Awards of the Vietnam Musicians Association in 2022.

Musician - People's Artist Cao Huu Nhac, former Director of Sao Bien Folk Music and Dance Theater, feels: "Tan Phat is always aware that he is a professional artist, seeking new things in his compositions. Tan Phat's songs bring listeners new emotions that linger for a long time."

The song "Story of Tuyet Giang" by musician Tan Phat.

In addition to composing impressive contemporary folk songs, helping singers show off their voices and sophisticated vocal techniques, musician Tan Phat also composed many fresh songs about his homeland, such as "Green Phu Yen", "Phu Yen on the constructions", "Tuy Hoa young city", "Let's come together", "New song of the homeland", "Phu land song", "Country hat", "Country longing"... He has published 2 collections of songs: "Country hat" (2007), "Fisherman's short song" (2020).

Musician - People's Artist Cao Huu Nhac said that in musician Tan Phat's songs, lyrics and music always support and complement each other, creating a great effect in music. And the sound just seeps into the soul, stays in people's hearts, so that every morning when they wake up, they love life more.

Tan Phat is a talented artist. Not only is he passionate about composing music, he also occasionally “strolls” in the field of literature. The short story “Following the Career” by musician Tan Phat was awarded second prize in a short story contest in Phu Yen (old).

The musician from Tay Hoa said that the role of literature and art in general, and music in particular, is to serve people and society, regardless of the conditions and circumstances. He will continue to compose songs about the beauty of the land and people of Dak Lak today.

Source: https://baodaklak.vn/van-hoa-du-lich-van-hoc-nghe-thuat/202509/tan-phat-nguoi-ke-chuyen-bang-am-nhac-57406af/