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Khmer Pinpeat Music
វង់ភ្លេងពិណពាទ្យ Vong Pleng Pinpeat
The Pinpeat ensemble is a traditional Cambodian orchestra renowned for its role in ceremonial music, classical dance, and cultural events. Comprising a rich array of wind and percussion instruments, it stands as one of the largest and most resonant Khmer ensembles. Known for its powerful sound, the ensemble provides musical accompaniment for court dances, shadow plays, and religious ceremonies, highlighting its cultural significance.
The Sampho serves as the leader of the orchestra, symbolizing both technical mastery and spiritual guidance, often referred to as the Krou of the ensemble. This sacred two-headed, barrel-shaped drum is believed to connect the human world with supernatural realms. Positioned horizontally, the Sampho features two drumheads, with one slightly larger than the other, creating a range of tones. It is placed on a small support, elevating it for ease of play by a seated musician, who uses their palms to bring out its resonant beats.
ស្គរ សម្ភោរ Skor Sampho
រនាតឯក Roneat Ek
The Roneat Ek is a pitched percussion instrument resembling a high-pitched wooden xylophone with 21 sound bars. Its distinct design, shaped like a carved rectangular boat, allows for a beautiful resonance. The bars, crafted from bamboo or wood, are suspended by strings connected to the instrument’s two walls, enhancing their vibration. The sound box, made of a hardwood called “beng” (បេង) or “neang nung” (នាងនួន), features two long walls and two short ones, known as “snok khawl” (ស្នូកខោល), contributing to its elegant tone and structure.
រនាតដែក Roneat Deak
The Roneat Deak is a pitched percussion instrument resembling a high-pitched Roneat Ek with 21 sound bars. The name likely originates from the Roneat Deak's note bars, which are made of iron or other metals. The sound box, made of a hardwood called “beng” (បេង), features two long walls and two short ones making a rectangular box, known as “snok trung”, contributing to its elegant echo tone
រនាតធុង Roneat Thoung
The Roneat Thoung is a low-pitched xylophone with sixteen bamboo bars, offering a distinctive acoustic texture that diverges from the more straightforward melodies of the Roneat Aik, Kong Thom, and Sralai. This tuned percussion instrument, crafted from tropical hardwoods such as “khnor” (ខ្នុរ), “neang nung” (នាងនួន), or “sraloa” (ស្រឡៅ), boasts remarkable resonance
គងវង់ធំ Kong Vong Thom
The Kong Vong Thom, available in large forms, is a striking semi-circle of sixteen low-pitched brass gongs. It plays a complementary role to the Roneat Ek, enriching the ensemble’s harmony and depth. The gongs are meticulously suspended horizontally by cane strings across two rattan frames, which are supported by a durable circular structure crafted from thick rattan wood. These gongs produce a rich, low, and mellow sound that beautifully enhances the overall musical composition.
គងវង់តូច Kong Vong Toch
The Kong Vong Toch, available in small variations, is an elegant percussion instrument consisting of a semi-circle of sixteen high-pitched brass gongs. Its primary role is to shadow and enhance the articulations of the Roneat Ek, complementing its leadership within an ensemble. The gongs are suspended horizontally by cane strings across two rattan frames on a sturdy circular structure made of thick rattan wood. These gongs produce a refined, high, and mellow tone that adds depth and harmony to the music.
ស្គរធំ Skor Thom
The Skor Thom is a pair of large, double-headed barrel drums that respond (chhlary) to the call (hao) of the Sampho in orchestral performances. Crafted from high-quality hardwoods like “khnor” (ខ្នុរ) or “chreh” (ច្រេះ), these materials ensure exceptional sound resonance. Unlike other drums played with hands, the Skor Thom is struck with two wooden sticks, producing powerful beats. Representing the sound of thunder, these drums play a crucial role in classical dance music by setting the foundational rhythm for the dancers to follow.
ស្រឡៃ Sralai
The Sralai, the sole wind instrument in the Pinpeat Ensemble, holds a unique position with its distinct characteristics. Its quadruple reed, crafted from palm leaf, and its slightly conical bore set it apart. While it shares similarities with the Western oboe, which has a double reed and conical bore, the Sralai's pitch serves as the standard for tuning other Pinpeat instruments. Mastery of circular breathing is essential for players, allowing them to maintain uninterrupted melodies and enrich the ensemble's harmony.
ឈឹង Chhing
The Chhing are small, bowl-shaped finger cymbals crafted from thick and heavy bronze, often containing an alloy of iron, copper, and gold mixed with bronze. Measuring approximately 2 inches in diameter, the cymbals are connected by a cord threaded through a small hole at the apex of each piece. Held one in each hand, the cymbals are struck together to produce a sharp, defining sound. As the timekeeper of the ensemble, the Chhing plays a crucial role in maintaining rhythm and structure within the performance.
