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| The sound of flute is a “language” that helps him connect with visitors |
Love
With a compact microphone, and the traditional ao dai and turban, Nguyen Van Tam, born in 1993, quietly pours his soul into smooth and emotional melodies. Nguyen Van Tam shared: “Over 13 years ago, when I came to Hue, I was very impressed with the poetic Huong River, with the space filled with green trees and the shimmering colors from Truong Tien Bridge. That is why I chose this wonderful space to immerse myself in the lingering melodies of the bamboo flute.”
He recounted: “Although I loved the flute since I was in school, it was Hue where I lived, worked, and formally learned music theory and how to play the bamboo flute in a formal and systematic way from a respected flute teacher. It was also that first teacher who fueled my passion for this traditional instrument. For me, Hue is both my second hometown and the place where I want to continue spreading and sharing my passion for the bamboo flute.”
For 10 years now, almost every evening, the flute-loving young man has been present on the walking street along the Huong River. From the small bamboo flute in his hands, every note of songs about Hue and the homeland gently spreads through the riverside space. Such is his love for Hue, for a long time, the notes of songs like “Nguoi em Vy Da”, “Mua tren pho Hue”, and “Nang tho xu Hue”, etc., have become incredibly familiar, and also songs like “Viet Nam que huong toi”, “Loi ve dat me”, and “Mot vong Viet Nam”. The soaring flute melodies attract a lot of attention and positive responses from visitors.
Mr. Tran Viet Hieu, a visitor from Ho Chi Minh City, stopped to enjoy the flute music and learn some tips from Tam on how to play the flute. Mr. Hieu said: “For me, the bamboo flute is quite familiar, but in the poetic space of the walking street, the sound of the bamboo flute is like embroidery on brocade. The added flute melodies make the space both intimate and strangely dreamy. That is why I was incredibly impressed and decided to buy a flute to try practicing.”
Connection
His flute music has also captivated foreign visitors, such as Sarah Caroline and her husband, visitors from England, as an example. On their first visit to Hue, the couple was immensely delighted by Nguyen Van Tam's flute playing. By the peaceful Huong River, the foreign couple quietly listened, reminiscing about their childhood.
Sarah Caroline shared: “Since we were children, our parents bought us flutes too. But those were recorders, a type of vertical flute made of wood with a very long tradition in our homeland. They have a very gentle and joyful sound, which is why children love them. Now in Hue, I unexpectedly encountered the sound of a flute, even though it is a transverse flute, it is truly a fascinating surprise for me.”
Not just Sarah Caroline and her husband, or Tran Viet Hieu, many visitors have stopped to applaud and immerse themselves in the clear and smooth sounds emanating from the small bamboo flute in Nguyen Van Tam's hands. Tam said: “Many domestic visitors who love the flute have asked or bought bamboo flutes to practice, and I have shared the knowledge I know or sent flute practice videos for them to refer to.”
For foreign visitors, even without a common language, through the miraculous connection of music, they have come to understand more about the traditional musical instrument of Vietnam. Many visitors have recorded videos of Tam playing the flute to share and introduce another interesting stop for their friends and relatives. Many have even befriended him to spread their passion for melodies together.
Sarah Caroline said: “For me, enjoying the flute music by a beautiful and peaceful river in Hue is an unforgettable experience. I have sent this beautiful flute video to my relatives back home. If they have the opportunity to visit Hue, I hope my relatives will also have such an interesting and romantic experience!”