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Music of Cambodia is classified into two forms, modern Cambodian culture is derived from the ancient Khmer Empire of the 8th to the 15th century. Since the fall of the totalitarian Khmer Rouge, however, the country has begun rapid Westernization.
Cambodian folk music is highly influenced by ancient forms as well as Hindu forms. Religious dancing, many of which depict stories and ancient myths, are common. Some dances are accompanied by a pinpeat orchestra, which includes a ching (cymbal), roneat (bamboo xylophone), pia au (flute), srlay (oboe), chappay (bass banjo), ghong (bronze gong), tro (violin) and various kinds of drums. Each movement the dancer makes refers to a specific idea, including abstract concepts like today (pointing a finger upwards). The 1960s saw a revival in classical dance, led by Princess Norodom Buppha Devi. The mid-1960s to late 70s, however, ended this revival as the Khmer Rouge took over the country and killed some ninety percent of musical performers.
Cambodian pop music, or modern music, is divided into two categories: ramvong and ramkbach. Ramvong is slow dance music, while ramkbach is closely related to Thai folk music. In the province Siem Reap, a form of music called kantrum has become popular; originally Thai, kantrum is famous for Thai and Cambodian stars like Darkie and Paypongrath.
Modern music is usually in Cambodian Karaoke VCDs usually of an actor, actress or both making the actions usually by mimicking the lyrics to the background song by moving their mouth as if they were actually singing the song. Noy Vannet and Lour Sarith are some of the modern singers who sing the songs for use with the Karaokes usually of the songs composed by Sin Sisamouth or others, in addition to the songs sung and composed by Sin Sisamouth himself.
Singers
Famous Cambodian singers include: the very famous composer/singer Sinn Sisamouth, Ros Sereysothear, Pan Ron (both of them being Sin Sisamouth's main singing partners) and present day singers: Noy Vannet, Meng Keo Pichenda and Lour Sarith.
Other Cambodian singers include:
- Eng Nary
- Hem Sivorn
- Houy Meas
- Meas Samoun
- Pich Ponleu
- Tuch Sunich
References
- Clewley, John. "Heavenly Dancers". 2000. In Broughton, Simon and Ellingham, Mark with McConnachie, James and Duane, Orla (Ed.), World Music, Vol. 2: Latin & North America, Caribbean, India, Asia and Pacific, pp 20-23. Rough Guides Ltd, Penguin Books. ISBN 1-85828-636-0
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