The sound of Mong flute on top of Nghe Luong

In the vast space of Nghe Luong mountain forest, the sound of the Mong flute resonates, blending with nature, like an invitation from heaven and earth. That flute, deep and enchanting, has become an indispensable part of the life of the Mong people at Nghe Luong peak, Lung Nghe village, Cao Minh commune. And the person who sings those melodies is Mr. Ly Van Vu - a blind farmer famous for his ability to make and play the Mong flute.

Mr. Ly Van Vu plays the Mong flute

Passion for Mong flute and a life full of challenges

Although he was blind since childhood, Mr. Vu refused to surrender to fate. Born into a poor family, losing both his parents at an early age, he lived with his relatives. Life was full of hardships, but his dream always burned: to see the colors of the world around him, to have fun with friends.

One day, while sitting in his house, he suddenly heard the sound of a Mong flute coming from afar. Those sounds made him unable to sit still. "How can one play a flute like that? How can one create a flute that produces such wonderful sounds?" That question kept echoing in his mind.

At the age of 18, he was taught how to make and play the flute by the village flute makers. Despite not being able to see, Mr. Vu persevered in learning, starting with the first flutes he made many mistakes, until he made his first perfect sound. "I never got discouraged, even though the flutes broke a lot at first," he shared.

Mr. Vu makes Mong flute.

The sound of the flute connects love

At the age of 26, Mr. Vu was still single, which made him feel self-conscious in society. However, it was the sound of the panpipe that changed his destiny. While playing the panpipe in Bao Lam district, he met Ms. Ma Thi Nhua, his future wife. “The panpipe helped me find my life partner,” Mr. Vu shared.

Family life was not easy, with four small children and difficulties in making a living. However, Mr. Vu used his profession of making panpipes to support his family. Each month, he could make 4 to 5 panpipes, selling them for about 1.5 million VND each. Even though he could not see, he still made the panpipes himself and brought them to the market to sell.

Making a Mong flute is a meticulous process. Mr. Vu said: "First, I choose bamboo, not too old or too young, then dry it. Next, I drill a hole for the bronze reed - the most important step, because the bronze reed determines the sound of the flute." After each completed flute, he carefully tests the sound, adjusting the reed to perfection.

Even though he couldn’t see, Mr. Vu’s hands were still skillful, as if there was a perfect arrangement in each movement. Each flute is a work of art, imbued with his love and passion for national culture.

Even though he couldn't see, Mr. Vu still made the panpipes himself and brought them to the market to sell.

Khen - The soul of the Mong people

For Mr. Vu, the Khen is not just a musical instrument. It is a close friend, always by his side in happy and sad times. During Tet, festivals, or when getting married, the Khen is always an indispensable part.

He shared: "The Khen is the voice of the Mong people, a bridge between the spiritual world and humans. The sound of the Khen is also the joy of welcoming Spring, the sound of welcoming the bride to her husband's house, and a declaration of love."

Even though his hair has turned grey, Mr. Vu still wants to pass on his passion for Mong flutes to the younger generation, so that this culture will not be lost. "I want the Mong flutes to fly higher and further, so that future generations can preserve and promote them," he confided.

Saying goodbye to Mr. Ly Van Vu, who has spent nearly 50 years preserving the "soul" of the Mong people on Nghe Luong peak, we believe that his flute will forever resonate, contributing to the maintenance and development of Mong culture in the Cao Minh highlands. The sound of his flute not only invites tourists to the northern communes of Thai Nguyen province but also connects people with nature, between the past and the present.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/van-hoa/202507/tieng-khen-mong-tren-dinh-nghe-luong-c1b18c9/