On the origin of Ca Tru art

Ca tru was popular from the 15th century, was a type of singing in the royal court and was loved by the nobility and intellectuals.

Ca Tru has a very ancient origin, according to history it dates back 700 years, according to folklore it dates back 1,000 years, but it was most prosperous in the 15th century, at times it was considered a royal court song and was loved by royalty, aristocrats, literati, and artists. Ca Tru can be considered an art form that combines poetry and music in a smooth and perfect way...

Ca Tru began in the Le Dynasty (15th century) after the invention of the stone zither by Dinh Le (or Dinh Du according to some guilds). Ca Tru is a performing art form that uses many literary forms such as fu, stories, and chants, but the most popular literary form is Hat noi.

Ca Tru has many other names. Depending on the region and time, Ca Tru singing is also called A Dao singing, Co Dau singing, or Nha To singing... However, no matter what name it has, Ca Tru's existence is always closely linked to the female singers "without female singers, Ca Tru is not complete, when talking about Ca Tru, we cannot help but talk about female singers".

Singer Kim Ngoc and Dan Day artist Ba Hai of the Hanoi Ca Tru Club. Photo: Lao Dong

To become a singer or a songwriter is not easy. One must meet many strict standards such as singing voice, musical talent (sound sense, clapping), knowledge of music and poetry, passion and perseverance...

The existence of Ca Tru is decided by the female singers themselves. The female singers are the ones who transmit and express the good, the beautiful, the unique things of Ca Tru, helping Ca Tru to survive until today.

In October 2009, Ca Tru was recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Heritage but in need of urgent protection, with 16 provinces and cities in the North of Vietnam. Of which, Hanoi currently owns the largest and most diverse "capital" of Ca Tru in the country, with about 14 active Ca Tru clubs and groups. Some clubs have created great prestige and resonance at home and abroad such as Thai Ha Guild, Hanoi Ca Tru Club, Lo Khe Ca Tru Club, Thang Long Ca Tru Club...

Source: https://laodong.vn/van-hoa-giai-tri/ve-nguon-goc-ra-doi-cua-nghe-thuat-ca-tru-786202.ldo