In class this week we sing “Sarika Keo,” a traditional Cambodian bird song — or, rather, a folk song about a bird. The bird in question is a “sarika keo,” a myna bird common in the countryside that some Cambodians raise in their houses and even train to speak. In our version the bird dances, flaps its wings and sings, “Euy koe keo euy, euy koe keo euy.”
Tag Archives | Cambodia
Pinpeat of the Cambodian Court
Cambodian pinpeat is Where. It’s. At.
In All Around This World classes we don’t get too technical about music, we generally just jump in. The “classical” music of many places can become exceptionally technical; there are specific techniques that musicians have practiced and perfected over hundreds of years, and one who knows them can truly appreciate the accomplishment of a musical performance. On the other hand, leaping into an unfamiliar form of music with little technical knowledge can be liberating. In this video, is this Cambodian Pinpeat orchestra a collection of virtuosic musicians performing at the top of the game, or are they just a bunch of enthusiasts playing in the park on a sunny afternoon? If you are from Southeast Asia or know Pinpeat you may have an opinion. All Around This World’s opinion? These musicians rock.
