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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
Srey-Yim, Kêo-Phuong, Siem-Nhuong, Yim-Ya, Kâng Kuy
05:55
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102
Srey-Yim, Kêo-Phuong, Siem-Nhuong, Yim-Ya, Kâng Kuy
05:17
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103
Srey-Yim
07:05
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104
Srey-Yim
02:39
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105
Tuk-Môn
06:50
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106
Tuk-Môn
04:11
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107
The Pinpeat Orchestra of Siemreap-Angkor, conducted by Prach Chhuon
05:54
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108
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
The Shadow-Theatre Pinpeat Orchestra of Siemreap-Angkor, conducted by Prach Chhuon
05:06
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110
The Pinpeat Orchestra of Siemreap-Angkor, conducted by Prach Chhuon
08:00
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111
The Pinpeat Orchestra of Siemreap-Angkor, conducted by Prach Chhuon
01:49
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112
The Pinpeat Orchestra of Siemreap-Angkor, conducted by Prach Chhuon
05:16
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113
The Pinpeat Orchestra of Siemreap-Angkor, conducted by Prach Chhuon
05:24