CLASSIC SONGS: The cover of the songbook about Vietnamese soldiers Hát Về Anh - Nhánh Lan Rừng (Singing about Vietnamese Soldiers - The Wild Orchid) by veteran musician Thế Hiển. Photo courtesy of the publishing house

HCM CITY — A songbook featuring Vietnamese soldiers by Meritorious Artist and veteran musician Thế Hiển has been released in HCM City. 

The book, Hát Về Anh - Nhánh Lan Rừng (Singing about Vietnamese Soldiers - The Wild Orchid), includes 40 of the best songs that the artist has written and composed during his 40-year-long career.  

It is published by the HCM City General Publishing House. 

Hiển selected these songs from his works about the country and soldiers, mothers and children, love and childhood. 

The book includes famous songs from the 1980s-90s, such as Hát Về Anh (Singing about Vietnamese Soldiers), Khi Người Lính Trở Về (When Soldiers Return Home), Người Mẹ Và Hoa Sứ Trắng (Mother and White Frangipani), which are still fresh today. 

Songs about love and women are also included. 

ENTERTAINING THE TROOPS - Veteran musician Thế Hiển visits and sings for soldiers working in Trường Sa Island District of Khánh Hoà Province. — Photo courtesy of the publishing house.

“I hope my songs about love and soldiers can improve the minds and souls of young people,” said Hiển, a member of the HCM City Musicians’ Association, at the book’s launching ceremony in HCM City last week. 

Hiển has a great passion for music and was a self-taught musician when he was a boy. 

He studied music with well-known artists of the Bông Sen Arts Theatre, a leading music and dance training and performance centre of the South.

In 1989, he graduated in composing and vocal music at the HCM City Music Conservatory. 

He worked for several State-owned theatres and music schools in HCM City and Southern provinces. 

Hiển has composed more than 300 pieces of music. Many of his songs are in praise of the country, late President Hồ Chí Minh, patriotism and soldiers.  

His music combines traditional and contemporary folk elements.  

His songs have been performed by famous folk singers such as People’s Artist Thuý Hiền, Meritorious Artist Tạ Minh Tâm and pop star Cẩm Ly. 

More than 500 copies of Hiển’s songbook Hát Về Anh - Nhánh Lan Rừng will be presented to soldiers who are working in Khánh Hoà Province. — VNS