Materials
poetic
ICH Materials 199
Audios
(3)-
Phú chênh
Phú chênh was once performed only in the hát văn thờ; however, the cung văn now perform it in hát văn hầu. Different high and low registers are included in Phú chênh; especially, in the middle, each singing word is lengthened, breaking the highlight of the poetic beat to create unsteadiness, which is where this melody gets its name. In hát văn thờ, as regulated, Phú bình is followed by Phú chênh. Phú chênh is performed in triple time in a moderate tempo, and its tuning is dây bằng. Similar to Phú bình, Phú chênh has the structure of seven-seven-six-eight-seven metre. The vay trả singing style or gối trổ can also be found in Phú chênh.
Viet Nam -
Gửi thư (Sending a letter)
This is one of the most lyrical songs with the lyrics sending moving messages. Its lyrics are often poetic sentences with seven or eight words. They are sometimes the six-eight-word verses with the plaintive content. Its tune is clear and calm.
Viet Nam 1997 -
Serekali ni gauna(Poetic Recital on the Passage of Time)
This is a poetry reading recorded at Sawanikula village in the upper reaches of Naitasiri province on mainland Viti Levu. It tells of a renowned cult leader called Ranawai during Fiji’s colonial period. He was charismatic in Western Viti Levu, and the figurative expressions allude to prophetic visions of the future about the state of the country.
Fiji 1976