HAJI MAJI

In southern Vietnam, Cải lương ( “reformed theater”) is the popular form of opera. In the early 1900’s the musical theater underwent a modernization, updating themes and musical styles. Soon thereafter Vọng cổ emerged as part of the musical structure of Cai Luong, as the popular song Dạ cổ hoài lang became a centerpiece of the Cai Luong performance. An unusual musical process began to take place. Over time, the phrases of the song were expanded with the musicians improvising throughout the elongated phrases, but always ending on the pitch of the melody. The number of beats between melody notes kept doubling over the years allowing for longer and longer periods of improvising. The melody has been expanded and filled in with improvising to such an extent that the original melody is basically unrecognizable. If this sounds confusing, it’s because it is!