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Cambodia: Folk and Ceremonial Music

Various Artists
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

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