| Description |
Xẩm or Xẩm singing is a type of folk music with unique and typical lyrics of Vietnam. Among many types of traditional music, only Xẩm singing is considered an occupation to earn a living. Ninh Bình provicne has long been famous for the traditional art of Xẩm singing where Xẩm art is closely associated with the late excellent artist Hà Thị Cầu. She was the last Xẩm artist who had practiced Xẩm singing and was considered “the last Xẩm singer of the twentieth century”. Originally, Xẩm singing has 3 main types or 3 melodies, namely Xẩm Huê tình, Xẩm Xuân, Xẩm ba bậc. Xẩm singing seems to be an endangered form of art in Ninh Bình provicne since the death of artist Hà Thị Cầu. Luckily, up to now, Xẩm singing has been initially restored thanks to the transmission of the element to the young generation conducted by artist Hà Thị Cầu’s successors |
| Social and cultural significance |
The art of Xẩm singing has created a musical form called “xẩm music” with various melodies for Vietnam’s music. Each melody represents an emotional aspect, with its own enjoyment that is suitable for certain audience. Depending on the space of the performance and the audience, appropriate Xẩm songs and melodies are performed by Xẩm singers. Xẩm is a special art because its singers can both sing and play the musical instruments. Xẩm artists are very good at telling stories with music, through a song, an excerpt, they can describe the life or social phenomena |
| Transmission method |
From 2014 up to now, Yên Mô district has totally 20 clubs of Chèo and Xẩm singing, However, the fact is that no one is able to earn a living by singing Xẩm or to sing Xẩm melodies handed down by excellent artist Hà Thị Cầu, in particular, such melodies as Xẩm Ba Bậc, Xẩm Sai, Rể lười,etc. The young Xẩm singers today are not as good as the elder artists at improvisation of Xẩm lyrics. Thanks to the safeguarding of lyrics and musical instruments of traditional Xẩm singing in different ways such as direct transmission, documentation of curriculum, performances in contests, such traditional melodies as Xẩm Huê tình, Xẩm Xoan, Xẩm Ba Bậc … are being practiced and preserved in the community. |
| Community |
In the past, the holders of Xẩm singing were peasants who lost their land and had to earn their living by singing. Currently, the holders of Xẩm singing consist of those who are keen on music in Ninh Bình and neighboring provinces converging into groups (mats) of Xẩm singing. |
