Famous composer releases album praising the country

Composer Nguyễn Văn Chung has released a music album in praise of the country, President Hồ Chí Minh and his hometown, HCM City. Photo courtesy of the composer

HCM CITY — Composer Nguyễn Văn Chung, who is famous for songs of family, children and love, has released a music album honouring Việt Nam.

The album consists of 11 songs in praise of the nation, President Hồ Chí Minh, HCM City, youth and love in pop and rock ballads.

Chung told local media that the album expresses his gratitude to people who devoted their life to protect the country.

“I want to compose music about Việt Nam, President Hồ Chí Minh, soldiers in Trường Sa (Spartly Archipelago) and HCM City,” he added.

The album’s theme song titled Viết Tiếp Câu Chuyện Hoà Bình (Writing about Peace) spreads a message of peace to young generations and how they can follow their predecessors’ path to protect and develop the country.

The song was awarded the C prize in the music category given by the Việt Nam Unions of Literature and Arts Association early this month, and the best song prize in 2023 given by the HCM City Music Association.

The album also includes the song Làm Theo Di Chúc Thiêng Liêng (Implementing President Hồ Chí Minh’s Testament), highlighting the President’s significant contributions to the country’s independence, and Những Lá Thư Trường Sa (Letter from Trường Sa) telling stories of soldiers on Trường Sa who are charged with the task of safeguarding their homeland’s sovereignty.

Songs in praise of the achievements of Chung’s hometown are also featured, including Bản Tình Ca Giữa Lòng Thành Phố (Love Song in the City) and Đô Thị Rực Rỡ (Bright City).

Chung said, “Writing songs in praise of the country is hard, but I believe that the songs will be popular among youth unions.”

The album features Nguyễn Duyên Quỳnh, winner of the music reality show Người Kể Chuyện Tình (Singing about Love) launched by the Vĩnh Long Radio and TV Station in 2019, and singer Nguyễn Phi Hùng.

Composer Chung began his career in 2003 after working for Nhạc Xanh Studio, one of the city’s private music agencies.

His music is pop and R&B, with Vietnamese folk elements.

He has written several hundred ballads, including top hits such as Vầng Trăng Khóc (Tears of the Moon), and Chiếc Khăn Gió Ấm (Beautiful Scarf).

Chung’s most famous song is Nhật Ký Của Mẹ (Mom’s Diary) about a mother’s love, which was released in 2011 by well-known singer Hiền Thục. It quickly became famous in the country and overseas.

The song brought Chung many nominations for local prestigious music awards, such as the Cống Hiến (Devotion) and Mai Vàng (Golden Ochna) Awards.

Chung is working on a songbook of 300 songs for children and animated videos for these songs. — VNS