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Hat a dao instruments
Vietnam
(northern tradition)
Canadian Museum of Civilization
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This set consists of three instruments: a drum, a phach
(wooden percussion block) and a lute. The word hat means both song and mime. Known
mainly in North Vietnam, hat a dao refers to the tradition of singing competitions
that continues to this day. In the past, the competitions were organized in the villages
in the spring, to choose the best female singers and the best musicians. They lasted 10
to 12 days. The villagers elected four judges based on their knowledge of the art of voice
and music.
Hat a dao is quite demanding because the singers must know how to play the phach,
mime and dance. Today, when the repertoire is performed, the quality of the singer's voice and
performance is evaluated by a judge who holds the trong chau, a small drum used to give
praise. The judge uses the drum to communicate his opinion.
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