HCMCITY — A songbook for children composed by Nguyễn Văn Chung has been released in HCM City to meet the demand of young audiences this summer.

The book, 100 Songs for Children, features songs about childhood, family, friends, school and country.

It includes beautiful pictures and sheet music to help young readers learn how to sing and play instruments. 

“I hope my book can help enhance children’s love of music,” said Trung, 34, who spent more than three years composing and editing the songs. 

The book also has a CD featuring the voices of students from music clubs at cultural houses for children.

Featured songs, such as Gia Đình Nhỏ, Hạnh Phúc To (Small Family, Great Love) and Nhật Ký Của Mẹ (Mom’s Diary), are performed by pop singer Khánh Ngọc and child singers Trang Thư and Bảo An.   

Nhật Ký Của Mẹ, one of Chung’s most popular songs, has been included on two CDs by Casa Musica, a music company in Germany.

The song is ranked 10th  on the CD The Best of Ballroom Music Vol 36, which features 45 works performed by popular artists and bands from different countries.

The song was performed by Hiền Thục, a pop stars in HCM City who began her career when she was a child.

The song was discovered by a member of Casa Musica’s production board, who first heard it at a Việt Nam-Germany cultural exchange event. 

The producer contacted Chung to sign a contract to include the song on the album, which was a successful follow-up to the The Best of Ballroom Music series produced by Casa Musica. 

Casa Musica paid the composer a copyright payment of US$500.

The CD series, released by distributor Mailoder in 2015, is popular among dancers, dance teachers and musicians worldwide.

Many young listeners appreciate Chung’s creative ability to mix different musical genres.  His music combines traditional and modern styles, using Vietnamese folk elements.

He has composed several hundred songs, including top hits such as Vầng Trăng Khóc (Tears of the Moon), Chiếc Khăn Gió Ấm (Beautiful Scarf) and Chuyện Tình Dưới Mưa (Love in Rain).

His songs have been performed by pop stars like Hồ Ngọc Hà and Hồ Quỳnh Hương. — VNS