tứ đại oán

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A classical Vietnamese musical mode or melody: "Tứ đại oán" is the name of a traditional, melancholic musical mode used in Vietnamese ceremonial and theatrical music, particularly in the southern region. It is characterized by its sorrowful and poignant emotional quality.
   • A specific musical piece: It can also refer to a specific, well-known composition written in this mode.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Bài "Tứ đại oán" thường được chơi trong đám tang. (The "Tứ đại oán" piece is often played at funerals.)
  • Điệu "tứ đại oán" nghe rất ai oán và bi thương. (The "tứ đại oán" mode sounds very plaintive and sorrowful.)

Advanced Usage

• Musical theory context: In traditional music theory, "tứ đại oán" is one of the principal "bài bản" (repertoire pieces) of "đờn ca tài tử" (Southern Vietnamese amateur chamber music) and "cải lương" (reformed theater).
  • Người nghệ sĩ đã thể hiện xuất sắc bài "tứ đại oán" trên đàn tranh. (The artist performed the "tứ đại oán" piece excellently on the zither.)

Variants and Related Words

• Điệu oán (n): A general term for musical modes expressing lamentation or grievance, of which "tứ đại oán" is a primary example.
• Bài bản cổ (n): Classical repertoire pieces in traditional Vietnamese music.

Synonyms

• Lament mode: A musical mode expressing grief or sorrow.
• Melancholic melody: A tune characterized by sadness.

Related Idioms

While there are no direct idioms using "tứ đại oán," its emotional quality is often referenced. - Buồn như điệu oán: As sad as a lament mode. - Câu chuyện của cô ấy buồn như điệu oán. (Her story is as sad as a lament mode.)