Khmer music is a vital aspect of Khmer life and culture, epitomizing Cambodia--its society, arts, customs, and beliefs. Khmer music in Cambodia and in the Khmer communities in Thailand and Vietnam has been shaped by four very different influences: Indian, Chinese, European, and indigenous traditions. Hinduism and Buddhism inspired local religious music; the great Indian epic, the Ramayana influenced dance. The oboes and double-headed barrel drums of Khmer ensembles originated in India. The Chinese introduced two-stringed fiddles, hammered dulcimers, drums, and cymbals; the Europeans, musical notation.

Not surprisingly, ancient Khmer ...