Hue royal court music is a genre of music dating from the feudal period, performed in the royal court on occasions such as: Dai Dynasty, Thuong Dynasty, Te Giao, and Temple of Literature. The music has elegant lyrics and a noble and noble rhythm that contributes to the elegance of the ceremony. This is also a symbol of kingship and the longevity and prosperity of the dynasty. Therefore, Hue royal court music was highly valued by Vietnamese feudal dynasties.

Hue royal court music was recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage and human oral tradition in mid-December 2003 and the recognition ceremony was held in Paris, France on January 31, 2004. .

This is a great honor and pride for Hue as well as the Vietnamese people. At the same time, this honor also contributes to creating a unique attraction and attraction for the tourism industry of the ancient and poetic Hue city.

History of Hue Court Music 

According to historical records, Hue royal court music has a process of formation and development in stages through the Ly - Tran dynasties. Inherited generations continued to preserve, supplement, create and develop this art form more and more richly and delicately, reaching its peak in the Nguyen Dynasty.

History of elegant music through feudal eras

Under Ly Dynasty: Nha Nhac Cung Dinh dates back to the Ly Dynasty (period 1010 - 1225) and began to operate in a regular manner later. In this period, Nha Nhac had elegant lyrics and high-class rhythms, symbolizing the longevity, prosperity and power of the feudal monarchy.

Under the Le Dynasty: Nha Nhac Cung Dinh in the Le Dynasty (period 1427 - 1788) was reserved for the nobility and scholars. The music genre has a complex and tight structure with a clear and detailed organizational scale. From the Le Dynasty, Nha Nhac was divided into many separate genres such as: Giao Music, Dai Dynasty Music, Temple Music, Dai Yen Nhac, Thuong Trieu Nhac, Cuu Nhat Nguyet and Duong music... However, at the end of Le Dynasty, Nha Music no longer kept its development but began to enter a period of decline and fade due to various reasons.

Under the Nguyen Dynasty: Hue royal court music flourished again and was organized in the Nguyen Dynasty (period 1802 - 1945). Especially in the first half of the 19th century, the court of King Gia Long knew how to use this scholarly music to "nurture the spirit" when he first started working in the south. 

Since then, Nha Nhac has been associated with Hue royal court and developed according to the standard, systematic and methodical normative model with hundreds of musical pieces. This stage is also an important preparatory step, creating a premise for the development of Palace music through the following kings.

Hue royal court music today

Nowadays, Hue royal court music with forms such as orchestra, songs, songs, songs and dances is performed on many occasions such as Hue Festival, Buddhist festival, folk festival, chamber music...

Nha Nhac is also performed in diplomatic rites, performed for tourists and locals on great holidays and traditional New Year... Therefore, Nha Nhac today still has the conditions and space to perform. rich musicality. Artistic values ​​are still preserved, perpetuated and continue to be promoted. 

If you have the opportunity to come to Hue, do not miss the opportunity to enjoy and feel about the Royal Court Music through special performances besides discovering the beauty of the ancient capital and special dishes.

Where to watch Hue royal court music?

Hue royal court music on the Perfume River

This is a familiar address chosen by many tourists to enjoy Hue royal court music. Visitors will buy tickets to the dragon boat, walk around the romantic Perfume River and enjoy Nha Nhac and other music genres performed by singers.

Duyet Thi Duong

Duyet Thi Duong is the first theater to open its doors to perform Nha Nhac, built under the Nguyen Dynasty, nearly 200 years ago. This is also one of the oldest performance spaces in Vietnam and a place to perform many types of art such as tuong, dance, and music for the royal palace. Coming to Duyet Thi Duong, visitors will be really impressed with the majestic, solemn space and sacred atmosphere.

Time:

At Perfume River: 18:00, 19:00 or 20:00

At Duyet Thi Duong: 10:00 – 10:40 and 15:00 – 15:40