Cambodia: Folk and Ceremonial Music

Traditional Cambodian ceremonial orchestras may be divided into two groups: those composed of string and wind instruments and those that are primarily percussion ensembles using keyed metallophones, gongs, and xylophones (pinpeat orchestras). This album, recorded between 1966 and 1968, features both. Historically, the pinpeat orchestras, often with several hundred musicians, performed ceremonial music for the Brahmins (the highest ranking caste) or the king. This recording captures the essence of the distinctive musical forms that have survived since the 11th century.

In addition, Master Srey-Yim performs solos on the tro khmer, a three-string bowed instrument, and the sadev, a gourd monochord, in a folk music orchestra. Also heard is the chapey, a two-string lute that is ideal for accompanying vocal improvisations because of its technical possibilities and the effects of attacking the strings in different ways. The album includes music for weddings, boxing matches, and shadow theater.

Track Listing

101	Bât phléng khlong	Srey-Yim, Kêo-Phuong, Siem-Nhuong, Yim-Ya, Kâng Kuy	05:55
102	Bât hamrong	Srey-Yim, Kêo-Phuong, Siem-Nhuong, Yim-Ya, Kâng Kuy	05:17
103	Bât phléng khlong and saray andèt	Srey-Yim	07:05
104	Bât sampong	Srey-Yim	02:39
105	Roeung moyolvong	Tuk-Môn	06:50
106	Chapey solo	Tuk-Môn	04:11
107	Phléng khlang khêk	The Pinpeat Orchestra of Siemreap-Angkor, conducted by Prach Chhuon	05:54
108	Nang sbêk thom: The Sampeah Kru Music	The Shadow-Theatre Pinpeat Orchestra and Troupe of Siemreap-Angkor, village of Ta-Phul, conducted by Prach Chhuon, narrated by Nap Chum	03:58
109	Nang sbêk thom	The Shadow-Theatre Pinpeat Orchestra of Siemreap-Angkor, conducted by Prach Chhuon	05:06
110	Phléng krao nay	The Pinpeat Orchestra of Siemreap-Angkor, conducted by Prach Chhuon	08:00
111	Phléng néang lot	The Pinpeat Orchestra of Siemreap-Angkor, conducted by Prach Chhuon	01:49
112	Phléng khlom	The Pinpeat Orchestra of Siemreap-Angkor, conducted by Prach Chhuon	05:16
113	Phléng	The Pinpeat Orchestra of Siemreap-Angkor, conducted by Prach Chhuon	05:24