Traditional-classical music from Laos, Cambodja and Turkestan Chinese/Xinjiang.
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In the remote area of Luang Prabang, classical Laotian court music developed to a high status and disappeared. Most of the instruments (which are only visible in museums) such as the bronze drums from the Dong Son era show the influence of ethnic minorities who often came from the mountainous areas.
CD. Music and songs of Laos. Label: Arion (2005), code: ARN 264667 | VIDEO
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The origins of Cambodian music can be traced back to the ancient Khmer Empire that dominated mainland Southeast Asia from the 7th to the 14th century. On the reliefs of the temples of the Angkor region (10th-13th century) there are depictions of dances and instruments very similar to those still used today, such as those of the gongkong or the sralay oboe. It is popular dance music for family celebrations, especially weddings but also funerals.
CD. Inedit Cambodge : musique classique – théâtre d’ombres – chants de mariage. Label: Auvidis (1995), code: W 260002 | VIDEO
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Often referred to as Sinkiang in historical context, Xinjiang is an autonomous region in northwestern China. The original inhabitants of the area are the Uyghurs – a Turkish people, cultural and linguistic belonging to Central Asia.
CD. Turkestan chinois/xiniang. Label: Ocora (1990), code: C 559092-93.
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