Quan Ho Singing: Unique Elements

Quan Ho - Singing Battle Playground  họ – singing battle playground

One of the most remarkable aspects of Quan họ is that it resembles a singing battle. Similar to rap battles in Western culture, where artists exchange lyrical creations, Quan họ singing battles adopt a more graceful and reciprocal approach. Participants engage with courtesy, using sophisticated gestures and melodic voices to convey elegance, providing an emotional rhythm for audiences that makes these encounters less about competition and more akin to captivating performances.

Quan Ho Folk Singing traditionally held on dragon-shaped boats - Photo: @levanchuDuring these performances, singers are typically divided into two groups: male singers in one and female singers in another. This separation is believed to enhance the melodious quality of Quan họ, as the rich tones of male voices blend with the higher pitches of female voices, creating a vibrant auditory experience. Additionally, many Quan họ songs revolve around themes of love, and this division often accentuates the visual dynamics of the performances.

The lyrics of Quan họ songs are traditional poetry passed down orally for over a millennium, with a strong focus on romantic themes. The structure of the lyrics consists of two main components: the core part, which conveys the essence of the songs, and the additional part, often featuring phrases like “I hi, u hu, a ha,” which serve to smoothen the lyrical flow.

Quan họ – A Complex Art Form with Detailed Regulations

To be included on a list of sophisticated singing arts globally, Quan họ would undoubtedly rank among the top ten, as it is founded on a detailed system of rules and techniques passed down through generations, aimed at achieving flawless performances.

Quan Ho singers showcase their mastery with minimal instrumental accompaniment

Traditionally, Quan họ performances did not employ musical instruments, relying solely on the singers' voices to generate rhythmic patterns. Singers utilized intricate vocal techniques to invent rhythm variations for their performances. However, contemporary Quan họ presentations may incorporate background music that adheres to the rhythmic heritage of traditional Quan họ songs, which have evolved over centuries.

Consequently, the role of the performers is paramount compared to other singing styles. This is why singers in Quan họ are often categorized into different roles, such as the leader (who steers and directs the performance) and the responder (who echoes and counterbalances the contributions of their singing partner). Techniques like vocal vibratos and humming are frequently employed to seamlessly transition between sections of the song, ensuring a cohesive and harmonious performance overall.