Traditional Khmer Musical Instruments
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I've long wanted to respond to this posting to forum but until a few minutes ago was unable to relocate the appropriate file in my archives.
But in 2002, I commissioned the building of a complete Pin Peat Traditional Cambodian Musical Ensemble in Phnom Penh by the then foremost traditional musical instrument maker in Cambodia, Mr Pin, and who probably now dead. Nonetheless, I believe his son continues the tradition and the business. These fine hand made instruments were commissioned for the Khmer Community of New South Wales (KC of NSW) centred upon the Bonnyrigg Temple in western Sydney.
For those interested in such matters, the 2002 prices for each hand built and dual script Khmer/English inscribed instrument was:
Roneat Dek US$240
Roneat Ek US$240
Roneat Thong US$240
Kong Touch US$420
Kong Thom US$480
Salay Ek US$72
Salay Nok US$360
Sko Thom US$360
Samphor US$240
Chhin US$42.
As all of these were newly made instruments, and not antiques, an export permit was immediately forthcoming, and they were sent air freight to Sydney where they were classified as cultural items and no tax or duties was applicable at that time.
I hope that the above information is of some interest and assistance to those interested in Cambodian cultural matters and the performing arts of Cambodia.
OML
But in 2002, I commissioned the building of a complete Pin Peat Traditional Cambodian Musical Ensemble in Phnom Penh by the then foremost traditional musical instrument maker in Cambodia, Mr Pin, and who probably now dead. Nonetheless, I believe his son continues the tradition and the business. These fine hand made instruments were commissioned for the Khmer Community of New South Wales (KC of NSW) centred upon the Bonnyrigg Temple in western Sydney.
For those interested in such matters, the 2002 prices for each hand built and dual script Khmer/English inscribed instrument was:
Roneat Dek US$240
Roneat Ek US$240
Roneat Thong US$240
Kong Touch US$420
Kong Thom US$480
Salay Ek US$72
Salay Nok US$360
Sko Thom US$360
Samphor US$240
Chhin US$42.
As all of these were newly made instruments, and not antiques, an export permit was immediately forthcoming, and they were sent air freight to Sydney where they were classified as cultural items and no tax or duties was applicable at that time.
I hope that the above information is of some interest and assistance to those interested in Cambodian cultural matters and the performing arts of Cambodia.
OML
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In relation to my above posting, a couple of things need to be noted.
The Khmer diaspora in Australia is very evenly divided between the cities of Sydney and Melbourne and, according to Australian census statistics, with almost identical numbers of people claiming to be of Cambodian/Khmer descent. There are of course Cambodians to be found all over Australia and not just in these two major population centres.
The other important point for those interested in the Cambodian performing musical arts is that Khmer music is not played to the same scales as for "Western" music. Nonetheless it has it's own scientific logic as to scale.
Again, for the more serious readers of this forum, an excellent recent bi-lingual Khmer English publication, well illustrated, is the UNESCO - Traditional Musical Instruments of Cambodia - now in to several reprints - and for which I can't see an ISBN. It was printed in Cambodia.
OML
The Khmer diaspora in Australia is very evenly divided between the cities of Sydney and Melbourne and, according to Australian census statistics, with almost identical numbers of people claiming to be of Cambodian/Khmer descent. There are of course Cambodians to be found all over Australia and not just in these two major population centres.
The other important point for those interested in the Cambodian performing musical arts is that Khmer music is not played to the same scales as for "Western" music. Nonetheless it has it's own scientific logic as to scale.
Again, for the more serious readers of this forum, an excellent recent bi-lingual Khmer English publication, well illustrated, is the UNESCO - Traditional Musical Instruments of Cambodia - now in to several reprints - and for which I can't see an ISBN. It was printed in Cambodia.
OML
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That...One big guitar thing coming up ... is in fact a CHAPEI DANG VENG.
Some variation in the body shape of Chapei Dang Veng can be encountered as may the number of "tuning" pegs on the neck of the instrument varying from 3 to 4.
OML
Some variation in the body shape of Chapei Dang Veng can be encountered as may the number of "tuning" pegs on the neck of the instrument varying from 3 to 4.
OML
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Thanks for the follow up on that OML, it's interesting to see the pricing for newly crafted instruments.
I'm going to see if I can find a copy of the UNESCO document.
🖒
I'm going to see if I can find a copy of the UNESCO document.
🖒
"We, the sons of John Company, have arrived"
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Hello Playboy
Those prices I quoted were for best quality instruments made in 2002. I have no idea as to the cost to make same quality to order today, 2020. These instruments tend to last a couple of life times if moderately cared for during their use.
It should be easy to get as it was produced and printed in Cambodia under the authority of the UNESCO Office in Phnom Penh and as it states on its' back cover...Technically and Financially Suppoted (sic) by UNESCO... My copy is from the 2003 Second Edition. Just go there and ask if they still have any copies left. It's also a good excuse to enter that fine restored French Colonial era building on the corner facing the Royal Palace.
Unfortunately, the UNESCO Traditional Musical Instruments of Cambodia does not contain a full Bibliography as such but the very last page of this 270 page, A4 format book has a list of References. But there are also other uncollated references scattered throughout the text.
OML
Those prices I quoted were for best quality instruments made in 2002. I have no idea as to the cost to make same quality to order today, 2020. These instruments tend to last a couple of life times if moderately cared for during their use.
It should be easy to get as it was produced and printed in Cambodia under the authority of the UNESCO Office in Phnom Penh and as it states on its' back cover...Technically and Financially Suppoted (sic) by UNESCO... My copy is from the 2003 Second Edition. Just go there and ask if they still have any copies left. It's also a good excuse to enter that fine restored French Colonial era building on the corner facing the Royal Palace.
Unfortunately, the UNESCO Traditional Musical Instruments of Cambodia does not contain a full Bibliography as such but the very last page of this 270 page, A4 format book has a list of References. But there are also other uncollated references scattered throughout the text.
OML
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Further to my earlier posting, I have just had to go searching through my personal reference library on a completely unrelated matter and my hand fell upon the following publications which compliment the earlier posting.
CAMBODIAN MUSIC by Keo Narom _ Published by Reyum - With the support of The Toyota Foundation. Phnom Penh 2005. ISBN 1-58886-083-3. Paper covers. 287 pp. Well illustrated in mono and colour.
SILENT TEMPLES, SONGFUL HEARTS : Traditional Music of Cambodia.
Authors Sam-Ang Sam and Patricia Shehan Campbell. With CD.
Published by World Music Press. Danbury CT USA. 1991. ISBN 0-937203-37-8 Paper.
I trust that this additional information is of assistance to those interested in Cambodian Music and Musical Instruments.
OML
CAMBODIAN MUSIC by Keo Narom _ Published by Reyum - With the support of The Toyota Foundation. Phnom Penh 2005. ISBN 1-58886-083-3. Paper covers. 287 pp. Well illustrated in mono and colour.
SILENT TEMPLES, SONGFUL HEARTS : Traditional Music of Cambodia.
Authors Sam-Ang Sam and Patricia Shehan Campbell. With CD.
Published by World Music Press. Danbury CT USA. 1991. ISBN 0-937203-37-8 Paper.
I trust that this additional information is of assistance to those interested in Cambodian Music and Musical Instruments.
OML
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This Chapey Dong Veng performance from the Bophana Centre archive is well worth adding to this thread for those interested in Khmer music and musical instruments.
OML
OML
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More from the Bophana Center archives in Phnom Penh and an entirely different genre of Cambodian music.
Be patient and it will work its way through all eight performances.
OML
Be patient and it will work its way through all eight performances.
OML
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Rebuilding the musical instruments of the ancient Khmers.
This video spoken in French, but with English sub-titles, will be of considerable interest to all following this topic thread and interested in traditional Khmer musical instruments and the musical instrument iconography of the many surviving Khmer bas reliefs.
Just click on ...skip adverts... as and when one pops up and enjoy this professional video.
Please enjoy.
OML
This video spoken in French, but with English sub-titles, will be of considerable interest to all following this topic thread and interested in traditional Khmer musical instruments and the musical instrument iconography of the many surviving Khmer bas reliefs.
Just click on ...skip adverts... as and when one pops up and enjoy this professional video.
Please enjoy.
OML
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Another traditional Cambodian string instrument for your enjoyment, the Takhe or Krapeu (crocodile), and once again, full credit and acknowledgement to the Bophana Centre in Phnom Penh.
Please enjoy.
OML
Please enjoy.
OML
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Having started my contribution to this thread by mentioning the Khmer Pin Peat musical ensemble, what better way to show readers what I was talking about than through this video example of the full Pin Peat musical ensemble of instruments and players in action at Angkor Wat several years ago.
Please enjoy.
OML
Please enjoy.
OML
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Welcome to the "Sound of Ploy". The Ploy is an ancient Khmer musical instrument rarely encountered or heard these days.
Please see, with full acknowledgements to the Bophana Center, Phnom Penh, online exhibition "Sound of Ploy" :
http://bophana.org/events/sound-of-phloy/
OML
Please see, with full acknowledgements to the Bophana Center, Phnom Penh, online exhibition "Sound of Ploy" :
http://bophana.org/events/sound-of-phloy/
OML
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