Cambodia Music

Cambodian Music

Cambodia Located in the southern portion of

the Indochina peninsula of Southeast Asia

Phnom Penh – capital of Cambodia The official religion of Cambodia is

Theravada Buddhism

Music of Cambodia It is derived from a mesh of

cultural traditions dating back to the ancient Khmer Empire, India, China and the original indigenous tribes living in the area before the arrival of Indian and Chinese travellers. 

Music of Cambodia Folk and Classical Music

It is highly influenced by ancient forms as well as Hindu forms

Religious dancing, many of which depict stories and ancient myths, are common in Cambodian culture.

Music of Cambodia Popular Music

It includes slow, crooner-type music and also includes dance music

Music of Cambodia With the rapid Westernization of

popular music, Cambodian music has incorporated elements from music around the word through globalization.

Music of Cambodia Dance Music

It is music composed specifically to facilitate or accompany dancing

Two most common types of Cambodian Dance Music: (Ramvong and Ramkbach)

Ramvong – It is a slow dance music Ramkbach – Has a slower emotional

melody similar to the music of Thailand

Music of Cambodia Modern Cambodian music is

usually presented in Cambodian karaoke VCDs, which typically feature actors and actresses mimicking song lyrics.[

Musical Instruments of Cambodia Khloy An ancient traditional

bamboo flute from Cambodia Has 8 or 9 finger holes It has a duct end where the

player blows into to produce a sound

Mostly played using the pentatonic scale

Musical Instruments of Cambodia Sralai It is a wind instrument

used also in the Pinpeat Ensemble

Its quadruple reed is made of palm leaf, and its body has a slightly conical bore. 

Musical Instruments of Cambodia Samphor It a small barrel

drum indigenous to Cambodia

It has two heads and is played with both hands

Musical Instruments of Cambodia Pinpeat Ensemble It performs the ceremonial music

of the royal courts and temples of Cambodia.

The orchestra consists of approximately nine or ten instruments, mainly wind and percussion instruments

It accompanies court dances, masked plays, shadow plays, and religious ceremonies.