For a long time, pentatonic music has been an indispensable part of the rituals of the Khmer people in the South in general and the Khmer people in Kien Giang province in particular. In order to preserve this traditional musical instrument, some "seniors" have been trying to teach pentatonic music to the younger generation to preserve, conserve and promote the unique cultural values of the nation. Not only that, there are artisans who also research and make musical instruments.
When it comes to teaching pentatonic music, we cannot help but mention Mr. Danh Nhieu, residing in Hoa Thanh hamlet, Dinh Hoa commune, Go Quao district (Kien Giang). Despite his old age, he still maintains teaching music and is also an artisan who creates traditional Khmer musical instruments.
Mr. Danh Nhieu is one of the few artisans who still knows how to make these traditional musical instruments. In addition to making a modern pentatonic orchestra to play in concert with some traditional musical instruments, he also spends a lot of time researching and innovating the musical instruments in the traditional musical instrument set.
Mr. Danh Nhieu said: Pentatonic music is considered a valuable asset that has been ingrained in the subconscious for generations like the flesh and blood of the Khmer people. Pentatonic music is often performed on festivals such as Chol Chnam Thmay, Sene Dolta, Ok Om Bok... so Pentatonic music is considered the soul in the unique cultural life of the Khmer people.
Mr. Danh Nhieu shared: “The Five-tone Music has great value in festivals at pagodas and in the lives of the Khmer people. Following the footsteps of my predecessors, I always want to pass on to the children my passion for the Five-tone Orchestra, so that they can practice and perform, maintaining the beautiful traditions.”
In addition to making musical instruments, Mr. Danh Nhieu also teaches and establishes a Khmer pentatonic band to preserve and promote the musical instruments of the people. Every year, in addition to serving major ceremonies in the pagoda, the pentatonic band also participates in performances on the occasion of the Cultural, Sports and Tourism Festival of Kien Giang province, achieving many successes.
Mr. Nhieu said: “The traditional Khmer music has existed for a long time and has been preserved from generation to generation. Currently, in our locality, we have a traditional music team that still preserves and performs everywhere when people have a need. I always encourage the children in the music team to practice hard to continue to be the inheritors of the nation's traditional musical instruments.”
Danh Cum, a member of the band, shared: “I learned music from Mr. Nhieu. There are some difficulties and some eases in learning, but if you are passionate and love it, you can learn it. Currently, the band is playing songs used in the launching ceremony of Ngo boats, the Buddha's An vi ceremony, the sand mountain building ceremony, funerals, etc. I really admire Mr. Nhieu because he not only devoted his life to preserving the traditional five-tone music but also knew how to make musical instruments, which is rare for anyone else.”
For "seniors" like Mr. Nhieu, pentatonic music and musical instrument making are the soul, the root, the quintessence of the nation, so teaching it to the younger generations is a joy, happiness, and pride in contributing to promoting the cultural values of the nation.
Nowadays, pentatonic music is often associated with Khmer pagodas, the centers of religious activities of the people. To contribute to preserving and developing the traditional pentatonic music of the Khmer people, some artisans who are knowledgeable about this musical instrument have coordinated with pagodas, localities with a large Khmer population, and ethnic boarding schools in the province to organize free teaching classes.
