Musicians of the National Dance Company of Cambodia
On their terrible mission to change Cambodia back into a peasant society, the Khmer Rouge all but killed a tradition that has lasted over 1,000 years. But once this regime was overthrown, a few straggling musicians and dancers tried to see what shards of their ancient culture they could salvage from the wreck.
This unique recording is a testament to their astonishing resilience and courage. The album includes not only the music of classical myths and legends, but also a selection of modern folk songs never before recorded - or even heard - outside of Cambodia.
The emotional, and often melancholy, vocals are accompanied by the music of gongs, cymbals, xylophones, ancient oboes and drums.
