9.2 Khmer classical music and dance-drama

Khmer classical music and dance-drama, rooted in ancient Cambodian courts, blend Hindu and Buddhist influences. These art forms showcase intricate melodies, rhythms, and choreography, telling stories of gods and heroes through pinpeat ensembles and graceful dancers.

Surviving near-extinction during the Khmer Rouge era, Khmer classical arts have been revived and recognized globally. They play a crucial role in preserving Cambodian cultural identity, connecting modern audiences to the country's rich artistic heritage.

Khmer Classical Music and Dance-Drama

Historical Development and Cultural Significance

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• Khmer classical music and dance-drama, known as Lakhon Kaol, originated in the royal courts of the Khmer Empire between the 9th and 15th centuries CE
• The art form flourished during the Angkor period (802-1431 CE), particularly under the patronage of King Jayavarman VII, who considered it an essential part of religious ceremonies and court entertainment
• Khmer classical music and dance-drama were influenced by the Indian epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, which were adapted to incorporate Khmer mythology and cultural elements
• The themes of Khmer classical performances often revolve around the lives of gods, kings, and mythical heroes, serving to reinforce the divine right of the monarchy and the social hierarchy

Preservation and Revival Efforts

• Khmer classical music and dance-drama played a crucial role in preserving Cambodian cultural identity during the French colonial period (1863-1953) and the Khmer Rouge regime (1975-1979)
  • During the Khmer Rouge era, many artists were persecuted, and the art form faced near extinction
  • After the fall of the Khmer Rouge, efforts were made to revive and preserve Khmer classical traditions, with surviving masters passing on their knowledge to younger generations
• Today, Khmer classical music and dance-drama are celebrated as important expressions of Cambodian cultural heritage and are performed at festivals, religious ceremonies, and tourist venues (Angkor Wat)
• The Royal Ballet of Cambodia, founded in 1960, serves as a national institution dedicated to preserving and promoting Khmer classical dance traditions
• UNESCO recognized Khmer classical dance as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2003, further highlighting its significance and the need for ongoing preservation efforts

Instruments in Khmer Classical Ensembles

Pinpeat Ensemble

• The pinpeat ensemble is the primary instrumental ensemble in Khmer classical music, traditionally accompanying dance-drama performances and religious ceremonies
• Melodic instruments in the pinpeat ensemble include:
  • Roneat ek (high-pitched xylophone)
  • Roneat thung (low-pitched xylophone)
  • Kong vong touch and kong vong thom (small and large gong circles)
• The khloy (bamboo flute) and tro (two-stringed fiddle) are melodic instruments that may be featured as soloists or as part of the pinpeat ensemble
• The melodic instruments generally play variations on the main melody, with the roneat ek taking the lead and the other instruments providing accompaniment and elaboration

Rhythmic Instruments and Their Roles

• Rhythmic instruments in the pinpeat ensemble include:
  • Sampho (double-headed barrel drum)
  • Skor thom (large drum)
  • Chhing (small cymbals)
• These instruments provide the underlying rhythmic structure and punctuate important moments in the performance
• The rhythmic patterns played by the drums and cymbals are closely tied to the movements of the dancers, with specific rhythms corresponding to particular gestures and emotions
• The skor daey (hand drum) and skor arak (drum played with sticks) are used to signal changes in the tempo or rhythm and to cue dancers during performances

Other Khmer Classical Ensembles

• In addition to the pinpeat ensemble, the mohori ensemble may be used for more intimate performances or to accompany vocalists
• The mohori ensemble includes stringed instruments such as:
  • Kse diev (one-stringed zither)
  • Takhe (three-stringed zither)
  • Tro Khmer (three-stringed spike fiddle)
• The mohori ensemble also features wind instruments like the khloy (flute) and sralai (quadruple-reed oboe), as well as percussion instruments like the skor daey and chhing
• The mohori ensemble is known for its softer, more melodic sound compared to the pinpeat ensemble and is often associated with more romantic or lyrical performances

Music and Dance in Khmer Performances

Interconnectedness of Music and Dance

• In Khmer classical dance-drama, music and dance are intricately connected, with the music serving to enhance the emotional impact of the dance and convey the story's narrative
• Dancers' movements are choreographed to synchronize with specific rhythmic patterns played by the pinpeat ensemble, creating a symbiotic relationship between the two art forms
• The close relationship between music and dance in Khmer classical performances requires extensive training and collaboration between musicians and dancers to achieve the necessary synchronization and emotional resonance

Character Types and Musical Motifs

• Each character type in Khmer classical dance-drama has a distinct style of movement and accompanying musical motifs, allowing the audience to identify the character's role and emotional state
  • Neang (female) characters are associated with graceful, fluid movements and slower, more lyrical musical passages
  • Neay Rong (male) characters have more vigorous, athletic movements accompanied by faster, more percussive music
• The music also serves to signal changes in the narrative, such as the entrance of a new character or a shift in the emotional tone of the scene
• Specific musical phrases or motifs are associated with particular characters or emotions, such as the "Smer" motif, which represents love or longing

Role of Vocalists

• Vocalists may be included in the pinpeat ensemble to sing narration or dialogue, further clarifying the story and enhancing the connection between music and dance
• The vocals are often in the form of poetic chanting, known as "Reneat," which follows the rhythmic patterns of the music and serves to guide the dancers' movements
• Vocalists may also sing "ayai," improvised verses that comment on the story or provide moral lessons, adding another layer of meaning to the performance
• The interplay between the vocalists, musicians, and dancers creates a rich, multi-layered artistic experience that engages the audience on multiple levels

Hindu and Buddhist Influence on Khmer Arts

Hindu Mythology and Iconography

• Khmer classical music and dance-drama have been profoundly influenced by Hinduism, which was one of the dominant religions in the Khmer Empire during the art form's development
• Hindu mythology, particularly stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata epics, provided the basis for many Khmer classical dance-drama plots and characters
  • The Reamker, the Khmer version of the Ramayana, is one of the most frequently performed dance-dramas in the Khmer classical repertoire
• The costumes and headdresses worn by dancers often depict Hindu deities or mythological figures, such as Shiva, Vishnu, and their consorts
• Hinduism's influence can also be seen in the use of mudras (symbolic hand gestures) in Khmer classical dance, which are similar to those used in Indian classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam

Buddhist Themes and Principles

• As Buddhism gained prominence in the Khmer Empire, particularly during the reign of Jayavarman VII, Buddhist themes and stories were incorporated into Khmer classical music and dance-drama
  • The Jataka tales, which recount the previous lives of the Buddha, became popular subjects for dance-drama performances
• Buddhist principles, such as the importance of compassion, non-violence, and the pursuit of enlightenment, are often reflected in the themes and moral lessons of Khmer classical performances
• The pinpeat ensemble, in addition to accompanying dance-drama, is also used in Buddhist religious ceremonies and rituals, such as the blessing of a new temple or the ordination of monks
• The "Robam Tep Apsara" dance, which depicts celestial dancers (apsaras) and is often performed at Buddhist temples, exemplifies the fusion of Buddhist and Hindu elements in Khmer classical dance

Reflection of Cambodia's Religious and Cultural History

• The influence of Hinduism and Buddhism on Khmer classical music and dance-drama reflects the complex religious and cultural history of Cambodia and the enduring impact of these belief systems on Cambodian artistic expression
• The blending of Hindu and Buddhist elements in Khmer classical arts demonstrates the ability of these traditions to coexist and enrich each other
• The continued presence of Hindu and Buddhist themes in Khmer classical performances serves as a reminder of Cambodia's ancient cultural heritage and the role of religion in shaping its artistic traditions
• The adaptation of Hindu and Buddhist stories and iconography into uniquely Khmer forms of expression highlights the creativity and resilience of Cambodian artists throughout history