Entertainment

The Historic Flag-Raising Ceremony at Ba Dinh Square: A Vinyl Tribute

The "Melodies of Hanoi" vinyl record captures the essence of Hanoi's diverse soundscape. From the bustling streets to the tranquil lakeside, this record encapsulates the auditory tapestry that has long been intertwined with the very fabric of Hanoi's culture.

Administrator

16 October, 2024

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The ‘Melodies of Hanoi’ vinyl record is a timeless collection of classic songs that capture the essence of Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi. Featured on this record are songs about the city’s air defense alert, the nostalgic tinkling of the streetcar, and the iconic flag-raising ceremony at 6 a.m. in Ba Dinh Square, a long-standing tradition that has become synonymous with the identity of Hanoians across generations.

For the first time, sound engineers recorded the sacred flag-raising ceremony at Ba Dinh Square, and this historic event was immortalized on the ‘Melodies of Hanoi’ record with vividness and authenticity.

This special release by Hanoi Radio and Television commemorates the 70th anniversary of the liberation of the capital and the broadcaster. It is a tribute to the rich history and cultural heritage of Hanoi, presented through a unique blend of music and familiar sounds.

The vinyl record is a compilation of Hanoi’s most famous songs and the city’s familiar sounds. Photo: Nguyen Tuyen/The Hanoi Times

Crafting this masterpiece took six months of dedication. Side A showcases four iconic songs of Hanoi: Marching to Hanoi (composed by Van Cao), Hanoi People (Nguyen Dinh Thi), Childhood Memories (Nguyen Huu Tuan), and Hanoi’s Faith and Hope (Phan Nhan). The Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Honna Tetsuji, performs the song Hanoi People, adding a touch of orchestral grandeur.

Side B takes listeners on a journey through time, featuring the capital’s air defense alarms from the 12-day battle against the American Air Force in 1972, the clanging of trams, and Hanoi Radio’s identity music from 1979 to 2024. The highlight, however, is the 6 a.m. flag-raising ceremony at Ba Dinh Square, a daily ritual that has become an integral part of Hanoi’s cultural fabric.

Sound engineer Nguyen Duy Nghia, who played a pivotal role in the recording and mastering process, shared that this project was a novel idea, unlike anything attempted before. The biggest challenge, according to Nghia, was capturing the location’s sound in a high-security area while trying to recreate the solemn atmosphere of the flag-raising ceremony.

To achieve this, Nghia strategically placed 36 microphones around Ba Dinh Square and assembled a team of 16 technicians to manage the recording process. The result is a sonic portrait of the flag-raising ceremony, from the marching of the honor guard to the fluttering of the flag, all captured with impeccable detail and respect for the ceremony’s sacred nature.

Sound engineer Duy Nghia at Ba Dinh Square. Photo: Nguyen Tuyen/The Hanoi Times

Nghia, a native of the South, had never attended the flag-raising ceremony before this project. Hearing the national anthem in Ba Dinh Square for the first time left a profound impact on him. “It was the best version of the national anthem I had ever heard,” he recalled, expressing his desire to capture the solemn atmosphere in the record.

Nguyen Kim Khiem, General Director of Hanoi Radio and Television, emphasized the significance of the record, stating that it encapsulates the sounds that have become an integral part of Hanoi’s memory over the past 70 years. Khiem also highlighted the artistic quality of the recording, ensuring that it preserves the sounds of Hanoi with the utmost fidelity.

The decision to release the ‘Melodies of Hanoi’ on vinyl was a deliberate one. Vinyl records are cherished by audiophiles and hold a special place in the history of Vietnamese music. Hanoi Radio and Television recognized the importance of this format, especially in an era of digital music and media, as it allows listeners to connect with the sounds of Hanoi in a more intimate and timeless manner.