Today’s A Journey through Aesthetic Realms will be presented in Aulacese (Vietnamese), with subtitles in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Hungarian, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Portuguese, Russian, Thai and Spanish.

Âu Lạc (Vietnam) is a nation with a long-standing traditional culture. Aulacese musical heritage is bountiful; since ancient times, many soul-stirring musical instruments have been created with diverse sounds like those of the copper drum, gong, lithophone, bamboo xylophone, cymbals, and panpipe. In 2003, Elegant Music, a style of Huế royal court music, was recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as an intangible cultural heritage of the world.

Âu Lạc’s music represents the unique features of each region, for example, Quan Họ folksongs in the north, Huế tunes in the central, and modern folk opera in the south. In addition, there are many other forms of music, including hò, lý, ceremonial songs, Aulacese classical theatre, chèo traditional opera, hồ quảng opera, and so on. Indeed, the essence of music is imbued in the hearts of people in this beautiful country, and has been cultivated until this day.

In today’s program, we’re pleased to introduce some of the folk songs and musical genres representative of southern Âu Lạc. In today’s program, we’re pleased to present some folk songs and musical genres typical of southern Âu Lạc. Among the songs that fully convey the homey and carefree characteristics of simple rural life in the abounding rice fields of the southern region is the song “My Daddy My Mommy.” It was written in the 1950s by composer Văn Lương of Tân Bửu village, Long An province.

A song that is known by heart by the majority of Aulacese people, from young to old, it was sung by Supreme Master Ching Hai and our Association members during an international outdoor gathering in South Korea on May 14, 1998. We now invite you to enjoy the cheerful tune of a southern Aulacese folk song with all the love from Supreme Master Ching Hai.

My mommy goes plowing at dawn My daddy goes plowing at dawn My mommy is a farmer My daddy is a farmer too We all live on a vast wide field

On those nights when the moon is round Thousands of trees rustle in the breeze We come and gather for fun We come and gather for fun Under the shimmering ivory moon

Classical folk singing is a music genre that originated from the southwest region of Âu Lạc. It is one of the fundamental tunes in Aulacese modern folk opera. The first classical folk song, entitled “Longing for One's Beloved,” was composed by Mr. Cao Văn Lầu in 1919. Since then, classical folk singing has become increasingly enriched in tempo, singing style, and instrumental resonance.

Since the day they parted, the wife has been always anxiously awaiting news of her solider-husband. Listening to the drum of the night watch, she wishes for a day of reunion.

“I pray for your well-being Hasten home, O beloved for the love birds to reunite.” We now invite you to listen to the song “Drum in the Night, Missing the Beloved” by composer Cao Văn Lầu, with vocals by Bích Phượng.

“Since my husband departed with his precious sword, I’m anxiously waiting for him. I long for him in my dream. Oh, how heart-rending! The road may be full of bees and butterflies Please forget not our marital affection I yearn for my beloved at night And languish from pining in daytime Like a husband-waiting stone

Betray not my faithful heart Know you not Reclining at night, how I sorrow Reminiscing our togetherness before May our tender bond never fade I pray for your well-being Hasten home, O beloved for the love birds to reunite.

“Since my husband departed with his precious sword, I’m anxiously waiting for him. I long for him in my dream. Oh, how heart-rending! The road may be full of bees and butterflies Please forget not our marital affection I yearn for my beloved at night And languish from pining in daytime Like a husband-waiting stone

Betray not my faithful heart Know you not Reclining at night, how I sorrow Reminiscing our togetherness before May our tender bond never fade I pray for your well-being Hasten home, O beloved for the love birds to reunite.

Hasten home, O beloved for the love birds to reunite. Hasten home, O beloved for the love birds to reunite.

In Aulacese (Vietnamese) traditional folk music, lý is a singing genre that is mostly based on folk poetry in the form of six-eight couplets. The rhythm varies between fast and slow in a recital style, so lý singing genre has hundreds of different tunes. Through simple lyrics, lý songs often describe images and feelings as experienced in life. Enhanced by tender melodies, lý is very accessible and therefore quite popular.

On the fertile field, villagers hoe the soil and grow sweet potatoes together, diligently building a brighter future. Many pure-hearted and genuine romances have also blossomed among the local people.

“On the field, we grow sweet potatoes. On the field, we grow casaba melons. O long distance water carrier, may I offer my help for however more trips you must make?” We now invite you to enjoy a southern Aulacese folk song entitled “On the Vegetable Field,” with vocals by Đào Đức and Hiền Trang.

O Út! Wait for me!

Someone’s voice sounds familiar.

Wait for me, Út!

O brother Bảy! Where are you going?

I’m here to plant sweet potatoes and melons with you.

My God! No wonder it’s been rainy and stormy so much lately. You’ve never held a plow or a hoe before. How come you’re planting today?

So now I plow and hoe. I know you’re here, so I’ve come to help and keep you company.

Really? Well, then you work over there. I’ll be here. Don’t come over here, all right?

Yes, ma’am.

On the field, we grow sweet potatoes. On the field, we grow casaba melons.

O long distance water carrier, may I offer my help for however more trips you must make?

Where are you from, and why are you here alone? We don’t know each other. Why are you looking at me?

Whom am I waiting for on the vegetable field? Listening to your singing, I’m secretly in love with you.

The breeze wafts by the riverside. How I pine for you all day long!

O young man standing on the vegetable field, how come you don’t hoe the ground but keep watching me?

I’m not watching you! I have something for you.

What is it, brother Bảy?

Banana.( Banana?) It’s from my garden. And these rice cakes were made by my mom.

Your mom made the rice cakes? Please thank your mom for me.

No need! My mom is like that. She loves all her daughters-in-law like her own daughters.

What daughter-in-law? Not just yet!

In the breeze I feel carefree. In the breeze I feel yearning. The breeze is sending love here.

You’re making me shy by looking at me. Just for that, you’d have to make it up to me.

I’ve been to six southern provinces. When I came here, Heaven made me fall for you.

The breeze kindles fondness.

We’ve been in love all this time.

The breeze joins us in a harmonious melody, helping two lovers to enjoy a lifetime of tender lasting happiness.

Tomorrow dawn we’ll carry the water. Together we’ll tend the field for seeds to grow into green leaves.

Út! Yesterday, my parents went to talk to your parents already.

I know. Yesterday, your parents came to talk about business, right?

No such thing! They came to take a look at you.

Look at me! What is there to look?

My goodness! It means to discuss our wedding.

Our wedding? But I haven’t consented yet.

For Heaven’s sake, Út, you know I truly love you.

Love me? Are you sure?

Very sure.

Then hoe quickly! It’s getting late! (Yes, ma’am.)

You’re alone in the field.

You’re alone in the field. The breeze joins our hearts.

Don’t look at me, I’m very shy. Just for that, you’d have to make it up to me.

I’ve been to six southern provinces. When I came here, Heaven made me fall for you.

The breeze kindles fondness.

We’ve been in love all this time.

The breeze joins us in a harmonious melody, helping two lovers to enjoy a lifetime of tender lasting happiness. We vow to be together for life. We vow to be together for life. We vow to be together for life. We vow to be together for life.

Coming to the Hậu Giang delta with rice fields stretching to the horizon, the traveler quietly gazes appreciatively at the tranquil beauty of the countryside in the late afternoon. We now invite you to enjoy the song “To Hậu Giang” by composer Nhật Trung, with vocal performance by Phương Dung.

From a place very faraway, you’ve come to Bạc Liêu one late afternoon, beholding the emerald river and far-stretching white clouds.

From thousands of miles away, you’ve come looking for me one sunlit summer eve, beholding azure clouds, golden rice paddies, and buffaloes grazing in the field.

O Hậu Giang, villages are nestled in lush greenery. O Hậu Giang, Sóc Trăng is delighted in the neighborly bond.

O Hậu Giang, a ferry is sailing downstream. O Hậu Giang, white clouds are at horizon’s end.

From the distant Châu Đốc, you’ve come looking for me on a gloaming, beholding tender lips, flowing tresses, and enchanting fair skin.

I’m a country girl from Long Xuyên, a gentle silhouette stands in waiting, You’re enraptured, mesmerized, and forever enamored.

From a place very faraway, you’ve come to Bạc Liêu one late afternoon, beholding the emerald river and far-stretching white clouds.

From thousands of miles away, you’ve come looking for me one sunlit summer eve, beholding azure clouds, golden rice paddies, and buffaloes grazing in the field.

O Hậu Giang, villages are nestled in lush greenery. O Hậu Giang, Sóc Trăng is delighted in the neighborly bond.

O Hậu Giang, a ferry is sailing downstream. O Hậu Giang, white clouds are at horizon’s end.

From the distant Châu Đốc, you’ve come looking for me on a gloaming, beholding tender lips, flowing tresses, and enchanting fair skin.

I’m a country girl from Long Xuyên, a gentle silhouette stands in waiting, You’re enraptured, mesmerized, and forever enamored. You’re enraptured, mesmerized, and forever enamored.

Supreme Master Ching Hai has sent gifts to artists contributing to the Aulacese traditional folk music programs on Supreme Master Television. They have expressed their appreciation for Master’s loving concern.

Singer Hiền Trang, who presented the traditional folk song “On the Vegetable Field”:

First, I’d like to wish Supreme Master Ching Hai good health. Participating in today’s program, I truly feel very happy. We spent almost the entire day to record in the very hot weather, but everyone had actually created such an atmosphere that I didn’t feel tired at all. And after recording, I received Master’s gift. I’m very grateful because this gift is so meaningful. I wish Master peace always. I hope very much to see Master some day, even just once. I thank you Master very much.

Singer Bích Phượng, who presented the nostalgic song “Drum in the Night, Missing the Beloved,” sent a thank you letter:

November 10, 2009 Respected Supreme Master Ching Hai, I’m very happy that I was able to participate in recording the song “Drum in the Night, Missing the Beloved” on Master’s TV channel to introduce Aulacese culture to the world. I have also received Master’s gift. I’d like to thank Master and respectfully wish Master great health. I also wish to thank the camera crew (Master’s disciples); they’re very enthusiastic, open and friendly, making me feel very relaxed and encouraged during the time we worked together. Respectfully yours, Bích Phượng

Singer Phương Dung, who performed the song “To Hậu Giang”:

My respectful greetings to Supreme Master Ching Hai. I’m very happy to be able to contribute two songs for this program. I’m grateful to Master for allowing me to do my very small part in a program to preserve the Aulacese culture. Once again, I’d like to thank Master. Thank you, Master, for your gift. May Master enjoy good health. I’m singer Phương Dung. My respectful greetings to viewers of Supreme Master Television, broadcasting worldwide. Please “Be Veg, Go Green, Save the Planet.”

Thank you for watching today’s program about traditional folk music from southern Âu Lạc. Please tune in to Supreme Master Television for more Aulacese folk music in future broadcasts. Coming up is Vegetarianism: The Noble Way of Living, after Noteworthy News. So long for now.