Suy tư: SAD HYMN

A well-known Vietnamese song associated with Christmas is "Sad Hymn" by Nguyen Vu, the composer who just passed away in Vietnam. Many people certainly know and sing this song, but it is seldom the case that they pause to discover the context in which Nguyen Vu wrote "Sad Hymn".

A brief overview of a popular work by Nguyen Vu can be summarized in five key questions: What, Where, When, How, and Why.

1. WHAT? 

The hymn referenced in the song is "Silent Night", translated into Vietnamese from the original English version. Connecting to personal situation (explain in How?), this song inadvertently inspired Nguyen Vu during the Christmas atmosphere. 

2. WHERE?

Dalat was the original context of "Sad Hymn," and Nguyen Vu wrote this song based on his sad memories of his family's time there. Specifically, most of those memories took place at St. Nicholas Cathedral (also known as Dalat Cathedral).

3. WHEN?

"Sad Hymn" was written when the composer was 28 years old (September 1972). However, this song was cherished in the composer's heart for 14 years before leaving Dalat in 1958.

4. HOW? & WHY?

It was a beautiful memory and also a sad story about Nguyen Vu's first love (one-sided love). He met a lovely girl at daily mass in Dalat Cathedral and fell in love with her. However, this love lasted for a short time, and his family moved to Saigon. Since then, Nguyen Vu has remembered this memory when he hears the "Silent Night" song each Christmas. "Sad Hymn" was written in this context and sung every year at Christmas. 

Although "Sad Hymn" is not enough to be a "Magnum opus", it is the best option for Vietnamese on Christmas occasion. In the case we want to choose a few songs that are popular among both older and younger audiences, "Sad Hymn" is one of the best options. 

Thank you, Nguyen Vu, for a meaningful song that connects both Christians and non-Christians. Yes! We are the sons and daughters of Heavenly God. Pray for his soul!!!

Author: Little Stream

Source: Compiled from various sources

Photo: St. Nicholas Cathedral (Dalat Cathedral) by Little Stream