Lecture Notes on the Golden Age of Cambodian Popular Music

History of Cambodia

  • Khmer or Angkor Empire (9th-15th Century)
    • Extent: present-day Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam.
    • Decline: Ayutthaya (Thailand) breaks free in the 15th century.
  • Angkor Wat (12th Century)
    • Built by King Suryavarman II as a Hindu mausoleum, later becomes a Buddhist temple.

Colonial Period

  • 1863-1953: Cambodia becomes part of French Indo-China.
  • 1941-1945: Japanese occupation during World War II.

First Kingdom of Cambodia (1953-1970)**

  • 1953: King Norodom Sihanouk crows and Cambodia gains independence.
  • 1955: Cambodia joins the United Nations.
  • Prosperity: Urban centers flourish; architecture and arts thrive, with modern buildings and roads.
  • Influence of King Sihanouk: A musician himself, promotes music leading to a golden age of Cambodian popular music.

Cambodian Civil War

  • Vietnam War Influence: King Sihanouk aims to maintain neutrality between China and the US.
  • 1970 Coup: General Lon Nol and Prince Sisowath Sirik Matak depose King Sihanouk, leading to civil war with support shifting towards the Khmer Rouge.
  • Consequence of the War: Massive civilian casualties and destruction due to US bombings strengthen support for the Khmer Rouge.
  • Khmer Rouge Takeover: April 17, 1975, Khmer Rouge takes Phnom Penh, evacuating its 2-3 million residents.

Khmer Rouge Regime (1975-1979)

  • Radical Policies: Modeled after Maoist China; forced relocations to rural farms; abolition of money and property.
  • Cultural Suppression: Elimination of perceived "decadent culture" including Western influences, destruction of temples, and targeting of
    "enemies of the state" such as intellectuals, artists, and minorities.
  • Genocide: Estimated 20,000 killed in interrogations; many Khmer Rouge members also become victims.

Return to Power and Aftermath (1979-1992)

  • 1979: Vietnamese troops overthrow the Khmer Rouge, establishing the People’s Republic of Kampuchea.
  • Post-war Refugees: Millions flee; internal conflict continues with Khmer Rouge waging guerrilla warfare.
  • 1993: Establishment of a Constitutional Monarchy with Norodom Sihanouk as King but under a parliamentary government.

Music in Cambodia

  • Traditional Influences: Includes court music, folk music, and religious music.
    • Examples: Pin Peat court ensemble, phleng kar wedding music, Buddhist chant.
  • Western Influence: Began in the 1880s with colonialism involving Classical music; 1960s saw an influx of electric bands and pop influences from the USA and UK.
  • Hybridization of Genres: Music integrated Khmer traditional elements with Western styles, created unique compositions.
  • Prominent Artists: Sinn Sisamouth and Ros Serey Sothea among the influential figures of Cambodian music, now recognized posthumously due to their fate under the Khmer Rouge.

Cultural Legacy and Music Today

  • Reconstruction of Music Post-Genocide: Efforts to revive musical traditions amidst challenges such as poverty and ongoing censorship.
  • Diaspora Influence: Cambodian music continues abroad; mixed media broadcasts attempt to introduce traditional and modern music to the youth.
  • Economic Viability: Current state of Cambodian music is hindered by piracy, limiting economic opportunities for artists.

Conclusion

  • Music as Societal Indicator: Reflects history, cultural resilience, and ongoing challenges in recovering from war and oppression.
  • Films and Documentation: Productions like "Don't Think I've Forgotten" aim to preserve and celebrate the lost music of Cambodia's golden era.