“Nha nhac” or typical royal music of the former imperial city of Hue in central Thua Thien-Hue province has been officially going online, according to Hue Royal Traditional Theatre.

The website www.nhanhac.com.vn was launched to bring to the public the unique music genre of Viet Nam , which was recognised by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2003.

The website, the first of its kind, will introduce all forms of performances at the Hue imperial citadel like nha nhac (royal music), tuong cung dinh (royal classic operas), and royal dancing. Various documents, pictures and video clips as well as information of projects to preserve the music genre will be accessible.

“Nha nhac” was originally found in the courts of royalty and reserved for annual ceremonies and special events such as coronations, funerals, and official receptions.

Although its roots can be traced to the 13th century, “nha nhac” reached its zenith in Hue ’s royal court under the Nguyen dynasty. The kings favoured “nha nhac” to the point of making it the official music of the court, thereby establishing it as a symbol of the dynasty's power and longevity.

Rich in spiritual content, “nha nhac” not only provides a means of communicating with and paying tribute to the gods and kings, but also serves as a vehicle for transmitting aspects of Vietnamese philosophy and cosmogony.

Source: VNA