Global Notes: Traditional Cambodian Music Making a Comeback

By Worldview
Playing live in the WBEZ studios (from left): Yim Chan thy, playing woodwinds; Lun Phanith, playing the Kse diev, a single string instrument with a gord; Nhouk Sinat, playing the stringed instrument like an upright fiddle called the t’ro.
Playing live in the WBEZ studios (from left): Yim Chan thy, playing woodwinds; Lun Phanith, playing the Kse diev, a single string instrument with a gord; Nhouk Sinat, playing the stringed instrument like an upright fiddle called the t’ro.
Playing live in the WBEZ studios (from left): Yim Chan thy, playing woodwinds; Lun Phanith, playing the Kse diev, a single string instrument with a gord; Nhouk Sinat, playing the stringed instrument like an upright fiddle called the t’ro.
Playing live in the WBEZ studios (from left): Yim Chan thy, playing woodwinds; Lun Phanith, playing the Kse diev, a single string instrument with a gord; Nhouk Sinat, playing the stringed instrument like an upright fiddle called the t’ro.

Global Notes: Traditional Cambodian Music Making a Comeback

By Worldview
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(Audio available after show airs.)

Musicians were targeted under the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia and many of the country’s musical traditions were nearly wiped out. Now, a new generation is bringing the music back.

We take a look at the history of Khmer music and hear the sounds of the traditional instruments including the t’ro, a string instrument that resembles an upright fiddle and the kse diev, a single string instrument with a gord.