The Royal Refined Music of Hue was proclaimed as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2003. It originated in the 13th century but flourished under the Nguyen Dynasty. It was an elegant music performed only in imperial courts and ceremonies, expressing respect to gods and kings. It boasted high artistic value because of support from the royal court. After international recognition, performances were held in Europe and received praise. Royal refined music and royal meals in Hue allow visitors insight into luxury of life under the Nguyen dynasty.

1. Nha nhac (the Royal Refined Music) of Hue
On 7th, November 2003, the Royal Refined Vietnam has ever Music was proclaimed by UNESCO as a
Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, the first title of this kind received
The UNESCO Council appraised Vietnamese royal music in the following terms: “Vietnamese royal
music represents an elegant and refined music. It deals with the music performed in the imperial courts
and on different anniversaries, religious festivals, and on such particular occasions. Of the different
categories developed in Vietnam, only the royal music was national.
The Royal Refined Music was first introduced in the 13th century, but only reached its peak under the
Nguyen Dynasty. The Royal Refined Music had long enjoyed a preference as an official form of royal
music. It was recognized as the symbol of a powerful and long-lasting monarchy and as an indispensable
part of all ceremonies. Every year, the Royal Refined Music was played in nearly 100 different
ceremonies.
Varied in its themes, the Royal Refined Music is considered a means of communication to express the
respect to gods and kings.
Compared to other forms of art, the Royal Refined Music boasted high artistic value, first and foremost
because the court had enough political power and finance to bring together talented composers and
players from around the country. Given favorable conditions to practice and improve performance skills,
they became professional artists in composing and performance.
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2. After being recognized as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, the Royal
Refined Music performances was held in France and Belgium, etc. and was highly valued by the audience
and art-culture researchers.
Royal refined music and royal meal are two highlights in Hue that visitors should experience to get a full
view at how the royal life was under Nguyen dynasty. It is said that King Tu Duc who reigned from 1848
to 1883 lived a life of truly imperial luxury: at every meal, 50 chefs had to prepare 50 dishes served by 50
servants and 50 artists to play music and dance. Then, Royal meal became a kind of special talk (story) in
cultural life of Vietnam.
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