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An intrinsic part of the Cambodian music scene, Khmer music dates back to the era of the Khmer Empire. Although, Cambodia is home to other music, Khmer music has always been an essential component of the Khmer culture.

It was the Angkorskaya period that saw Khmer music flourish and it spread its wings to envelope all religious ceremonies and temple celebrations among others. The beauty of Khmer music and dance reveals itself in the numerous sculptures on the Angkor temple walls. All the musical instruments used are depicted in the most glorious way.

Originally Khmer music was not meant for entertaining, but the combined sound that emanates from the instruments was used as a means of communication with God and the spirits.

It is pentatonic music that consisted of several drums and gongs. To a foreigner, it seemed to lack any harmony, as each musician brought out a unique sound that may not seem to be in unison with those of the other musicians. These different tunes emanating from the different musical instruments combine to form the essence of Khmer music.

Classical Khmer music is divided into three categories: Pinpeat, Phleng kar and Mahori. Pinpeat, which consists of both stringed and percussion instruments, is associated to all classical performances, prayers and other ceremonies. This ensemble dates back to more than a thousand years ago, to the Angkor era. The beginnings of this ensemble are traced back to the courts during that era. It holds the pride of place in Khmer music and is the strongest ensemble of all. There are said to be more than 250 theme melodies in this ensemble. Each and every piece is associated with relevant actions performed on the stage. The sound from these instruments is one of the most enchanting, with the capacity to make people happy.

Several other ensembles owe their birth to the Pinpeat; such as the phlaeng mahaori, khlang chnak and phlaeng. Most music ensembles found today in the villages are derivatives and similar to the ensembles from the past. In these villages, actors perform plays wearing masks and Cambodian women dance to the Pinpeat percussive ensemble even today.

In the absence of any notation for Khmer music, it has always been passed down from the master to the disciple. This led to improvisation and slowly American influences began to be noticed. Western musical instruments such as the flute, guitar and organ are used in the modern version of Mahori/Mahori Samai.

Khmer musicians believe in achieving perfection in playing one instrument, while at the same time gaining basic knowledge in all other instruments. This helps in several ways – in making them perfect as musicians and every musician understands all the instruments.

Cambodia’s cultural heritage took a beating during the Khmer Rouge. Although, that period in history is unforgettable and the wounds of the hurt remain, Khmer music helps to a large extent in keeping alive the centuries old rich Khmer culture and enchants people with its sweet melody, as thought it is helping them communicate with God.

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