Ca trù is a complex form of sung poetry using lyrics written in traditional Vietnamese poetic forms found in the north of Viet Nam.
Ca trù, also known as hát cô dau or hát nói (tally card songs), is a Vietnamese musical genre that started in northern Vietnam. It is a way of telling stories, which features a female vocalist, and originated in a pansori-like entertainment that entertained both the wealthy and the royal court.
Ca trù groups typically consist of three performers: a female singer using breathing techniques and vibrato to create rich vocal ornamentation, playing wooden clappers or striking a wooden box, and two musicians playing a three-stringed lute and a praise drum. In some Ca trù performances, dance is also performed. The different forms of Ca trù have different uses, such as in worship, entertainment, singing in royal palaces, and competitions. The music in Ca trù is divided into fifty-six different melodies called the cáchs.
Ca trù music and poetry are transmitted orally and technically by folk artists, formerly only within the family line, but now to all who wish to learn. Ca trù fell into disuse during the 20th century due to continuing wars and insufficient awareness. Although the artists made great efforts to pass on Ca trù to younger generations, the practice is still threatened by fewer and older practitioners because the number and age of practitioners are decreasing.
The genre was preserved through efforts, and now it appears in much of the recent Vietnamese pop culture, including in movies. For the first time in the 1997 year, the song "Trên Dinh Phù Vân" was made public by My Linh. Modern folk music, with its ups and downs, is never easy for a soft musician such as this one. However, My Linh chose this song very bravely in her early career. She used the color of ca trù to bring out the magic in every song.
The Bich Câu Dao Quán Club was founded in 1969 and has 90 members, with around 30 or 40 gathered every Saturday evening. The youngest member is 88 years old. The director, Nguyen Vân Mai, is 48 years old, and trains younger singers and introduces them to classical songs. Although it is hard to find people who are enthusiastic about learning this art form and to find teachers who can impart technical knowledge and enthusiasm to young singers, however, these traditional songs are still playing in Vietnam.
References
(https://ich.unesco.org/en/USL/ca-tr-singing-00309) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ca_tr%C3%B9#In_modern_Vietnamese_media)