Author of "Continue the story of peace": I write music with what I see and feel

At the moment 50,000 audiences sang in unison “Continue writing the story of peace ” at the concert “Fatherland in the heart” on August 10, the “father of the song” – musician Nguyen Van Chung was so moved that his “heart could have broken.”

Just when it seemed like the male musician was still floating "not yet touched the ground", he and singer Duyen Quynh released a new song praising the People's Police soldier, promising to continue to "go viral" (spread quickly).

In the jubilant cultural and artistic atmosphere towards the country's great festival, musician Nguyen Van Chung talked with reporters of VietnamPlus Online Newspaper about his love for the country - the strong inspiration that urges him to compose these days.

Touched to the point of 'breaking the heart'

- How did you feel when 50,000 audiences sang along with Tung Duong in the song "Continuing the story of peace"?

Musician Nguyen Van Chung: Until now, I am still looking for words to describe: Too emotional, too proud, can break my heart with the powerful voice of my friend Tung Duong.

In my career, I have never felt so happy. Tung Duong's voice, heroic spirit and the audience singing the song together made me feel that my contribution to music was meaningful and appreciated by everyone.

- The first person to perform this song was Duyen Quynh, then at the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and the reunification of the country, the audience heard Vo Ha Tram-Dong Hung sing, now it is Tung Duong. In your opinion, who best expresses the spirit of the song?

Composer Nguyen Van Chung: When it comes to “Continuing the Peace Story,” I am always grateful to Duyen Quynh. Without her, there would be no song we are listening to today. Initially, I planned to write a simple piece for groups to sing together. But Duyen Quynh frankly told me that the song was not good enough, not worthy of the name “Continuing the Peace Story.” That statement hurt my pride and I decided to remake the song with a more heroic and passionate melody.

Duyen Quynh not only played an important role in editing but also persistently brought the song to perform on all stages, even in places without a stage, meaning no sound, no lights, and no pay.

After that, due to the request of the program's Organizing Committee, the song was performed by many other singers such as Vo Ha Tram, Dong Hung, Lan Anh, Oplus... Each person has their own musical style, their own audience so that the song has a wider life in the hearts of the public, becoming the "national song" as it is today. I am always grateful to all the singers because no matter who sings it, in the end the song is still my "child" (laughs).

Each singer is like a teacher who teaches a child to grow up. Each teacher will bring different lessons, but when they grow up, the child will never forget the gratitude of the first teacher.

The answer to which singer sings best lies in the hearts of the audience. As the writer of the song, I think Tung Duong is the one who best expresses the spirit of the work.

Tung Duong is the one with enough energy and inner strength to sing the song's heroism, like a call to arms, calling on everyone to "Join me in continuing the story of peace."

- To celebrate the 80th anniversary of National Day, you wrote the song “Vietnam – Proudly Stepping Forward to the Future” and entrusted Tung Duong to perform it. Can you share about the inspiration for composing this song?

Musician Nguyen Van Chung: The content of the song "Vietnam - Proudly Stepping Forward to the Future" is like a call, arousing the desire to rise up, together walking quickly and firmly into the future.

The work uses simple language but carries many images close to young people, from the national flag to the journey of innovation... The song also conveys the belief in a Vietnam transformed into a dragon, with sustainable development in terms of economy , spirit, culture and education.

“Vietnam – Proudly Stepping Forward to the Future” carries bright, positive morning energy, inspiring work and dedication. This is a song not only for festive occasions but can also accompany every Vietnamese person in their daily life.

Patriotism is always present

- Duyen Quynh has just released the music video “Nguyễn ọi vi binh an” (The oath for peace) composed by you. It seems that these days, you are focusing on the “main song” section?

Composer Nguyen Van Chung: The inspiration for “Swear for Peace” came in the blazing April sun, during the intense training days of the units participating in the A50 parade (celebrating the 50th anniversary of the country’s reunification). After the performances and exchanges at the training ground, I had the opportunity to closely observe the lessons, shooting and martial arts practice sessions, and the orderly footsteps. There, I saw the concentration, the drops of sweat, and the quiet pride on the faces of the young soldiers. Those everyday details awakened my emotions and inspired me to compose.

I don't write from a template, but from what I see and feel. There were moments on the training ground that made me realize: A song must be a vow of peace, not just a praise.

This year is a very special year with many important anniversaries, recalling the glorious history of the nation. That is a source of inspiration for me.

I always want my works to have a long life in the hearts of the public. That is why I wrote the 9-minute “Mother’s Diary” , or why I spent 8 years writing 300 children’s songs. That dream also made me dare to venture into the homeland-country theme since 2023.

- What do you think about the role of artists in spreading patriotism?

Musician Nguyen Van Chung: Since the war, literary and artistic works have always been a source of inspiration and encouragement for the people and soldiers of all forces. Currently, the country is moving forward with changes in society, and artists have the responsibility to use their works, lyrics, and voices to encourage people, spread national pride, and help strengthen the great unity bloc so that the country can firmly enter a new era.

- Recently, we have seen touching images of tens of thousands of audiences singing revolutionary songs in unison or young people lining up to receive tickets to national concerts. Do you think that music is contributing to stirring up patriotism among young people?

Musician Nguyen Van Chung: I believe that patriotism and national spirit always exist in each of us, even the young people. It is just a matter of where and when we express it, and whether we have the opportunity to express it or not. This year is a special year, so we have many opportunities to express that feeling.

Along with the openness of state management agencies, creating conditions for political music to spread in life, skillfully combining propaganda messages with performing arts events creates the glue that binds people together.

Previously, performance events often took place in solemn halls or the Opera House with a small number of guests. Now, national concerts are held outdoors with a capacity of tens of thousands of spectators, making political messages softer and closer to young people.

In addition, the organizers also boldly invested in bringing performance technology into the program, making the political art programs also have catchy songs, approaching the world concert. That is the condition for all people to express their national pride.

- Thank you for sharing./.

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/tac-gia-viet-tiep-cau-chuyen-hoa-binh-toi-viet-nhac-bang-nhung-gi-mat-thay-tim-cam-post1055395.vnp