Search - Bohuslav Martinu, Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra, Vladimir Valek (conductor) :: Martinu: Symphony No. 6 (Symphonic Fantasies), H 343 / Memorial to Lidice H 296 / Frescoes of Piero Della Francesca H 352 / Vagilie (for organ) H 392

Very interesting music

10/26/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album is very interesting because it gave some insight into Royal Cmabodian Court music during the 1960s when Khmer culture was at it's peak. The album contains music that was never heard before for about 30 years also after the war. Therefore it's an opportunity to hear music that was once used a in royal functions and other religous monastic functions. The "Mahori" orchestra very beautiful it's music that moves and captivates the listener with it's very lively atmosphere, thus it gives it some depth with it's poetic lyrics. Mahori music is very different from the pin-peat orchestra that serves only as music for royal occassions like coronations, monastic functions etc... Implying that pin-peat music is just background music that has no depth unlike mahori which is very lively with it's compositions and structure of the music. Plus the never heard Sakrava song "Tears to awaken the Deceased" which was only performed by the royal concubines during the death of a ruler. This piece is very slow and sombre implying that it's a mourning song which had taken years to master. The pin-peat orchestra in this recording display different pieces of music performed for dffierent occassions like, royal coronations, temple function, classical dance or royal ballet pieces and shadow theatre. I recomend that this album is very good because, it gives a rare insight into what Royal Cambodian music was like during the 1960s and now we have the opportunity of hearing it out side it's original country. Therefore it for sure for those who want to hear Cambodian Court music that have peformed in the royal palace for centuries."