The "Quintessence of Education Vol.1" album, inspired by Hanoi's Temple of Literature, blends traditional educational values with modern music, enriching the Temple's night tour experience.
A unique music album titled "Quintessence of Education Vol.1", composed by young musician Dinh Khanh Ly, has been launched, marking the first artistic work inspired by the Temple of Literature in Hanoi. Released on January 16, this album is a product of the Temple of Literature's night tour experience program, aimed at blending traditional values with modern artistic expression.

A Tribute to Vietnam's Educational Heritage
The album features six instrumental tracks that align with the theme of the Quintessence of Education 3D mapping presentation, currently displayed at the Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam (Temple of Literature). These compositions honor Vietnam’s long-standing educational traditions, which emphasize family values, perseverance, and the Confucian spirit of self-cultivation and dedication to society.

Musician Dinh Khanh Ly shared that the core inspiration for the album stems from the philosophical values of Vietnam's ancient educational system. One of the key influences is the poetic work of Nguyen Du, one of Vietnam’s greatest poets, whose literary themes of perseverance and moral education play a central role in shaping the album's narrative.

Track Highlights
- Each track within the album captures a specific aspect of Vietnamese educational philosophy and heritage:

- Earthly Adventures: Inspired by Nguyen Du’s poetry, this track celebrates the dedication of Confucian scholars to personal and societal betterment through education.

- Quintessence of Education: The title track expresses the values of learning, discipline, and moral development passed down through generations of Vietnamese scholars.

- The Journey of Education: This track follows the transformative journey of a student who, through learning, cultivates personal growth and contributes to the well-being of the nation.

- Top Color and Fragrance: A delicate melody inspired by the lotus flower, symbolizing purity and the refined soul of the Vietnamese people.

- Honoring the Ancestors: This solemn track pays tribute to the Confucian tradition of honoring one’s ancestors, particularly those who passed the royal exams, bringing glory to their family and homeland.

- Father’s Guidance: The song reflects the ancient Vietnamese tradition of familial education, portraying a father guiding his son toward the enlightenment of knowledge and virtue.

A New Creative Horizon for Heritage Sites
Le Xuan Kieu, Director of the Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam Center for Cultural and Scientific Activities, expressed great enthusiasm for the album. He highlighted that it is the first time a musician has created an entire body of work centered around the Temple of Literature, a historic site deeply intertwined with Vietnam’s intellectual and cultural history.

Kieu hopes that this album will ignite further artistic interest in the Temple of Literature, inspiring more creators to draw upon its rich legacy. "The values of relics associated with the tradition of education are expressed in a very attractive art form that will evoke emotions in the public and foster love for heritage," Kieu said, adding that he hopes this space will continue to inspire cultural creations.

Integrating Music into Night Tours
The release of the album is part of a broader initiative to enhance the Temple of Literature night tours, a cultural experience that has become increasingly popular among both locals and tourists. The night tour brings to life the stories of ancient Vietnamese scholars, their educational journeys, and the historical significance of academic achievement in Vietnam.

A key highlight of the tour is the 3D mapping presentation in Thai Hoc Hall, which projects the story of Vietnam’s educational legacy onto the walls of the historical site. Visitors are guided through the Khue Van Cac Pavilion, the Doctoral Stele Garden, and the Thien Quang Fountain, with the new album's music serving as an emotional backdrop to these monuments of Vietnam’s scholarly past.

Cultural Significance
The Temple of Literature, established in 1070, is one of Vietnam’s oldest and most important historical and cultural sites. Originally built as a Confucian temple, it later became home to Quoc Tu Giam, Vietnam’s first national university. The site stands as a testament to the country’s deep-rooted reverence for education, knowledge, and academic achievement.

The Quintessence of Education Vol.1 album not only provides a modern artistic interpretation of these educational values but also reinforces the importance of preserving and celebrating Vietnam’s cultural heritage in new and creative ways.