AloTrip

Where do you travel?

trustpilot

Unique Khmer pentatonic scale

Mon, 04 May 2015 . Last updated Thu, 25 Jun 2015 09:06

embed
Copy code below and paste to any place which you want to display on your site:
  • View
    4202
  • Share
    10
  • Comment
    0
  • 0
  • 16
  • 0

The imprint of the traditional Khmer ethnic culture is very special, in which the Khmer pentatonic scale is always the symbol of the vibrant cultural space, the soul in the cultural life of Khmer people in the South.

Living with different Vietnamese ethnic peoples in the Mekong Delta, Khmer people has a long lasting history with special cultural identities. Khmer people mainly live on wet rice farming. Despite their hard life, they have created many special art forms to turn toward better life. Pentatonic scale is typical for musical instruments of Khmer people.

The perfect traditional pentatonic scale can be compared with modern musical instruments. The bucket-shape tool is seen as the key item as it creates the first note of a piece of music. After harvesting season, Khmer people often hold celebration to drive hardship away with the hope for better crops. Pentatonic scale is an integral part in such celebrations and brings excitement to the whole region. Before, pentatonic scale was used to serve the kings and the royal class only. But now it is played in all festivals and special occasions of Khmer people.

To preserve and promote the traditional cultural values, artisan Ly Phat teaches his children and local people how to use pentatonic scale. Pentatonic scale symbolizes the spiritual power and cultural identity of Khmer people. It bears the meaning of Theravada. It goes through the human life from birth to death. The instrument brings all levels of sound and represents the spiritual desire of Khmer people. Khmer people realize people of their nation through this sound. Pentatonic scale has been existing for long and well developed in Khmer community early in the 20th century.

This instrument was formed for Khmer people to tell story through music. This instrument symbolizes the spiritual life of Khmer people in the South. Singer must know how to play the instrument. This instrument is similar to the plucked lute with three strings of the Vietnamese but the box is bigger and longer. The two strings are made of silk. Lyrics might be about a story. Lyrics can be prepared in advance or composed by singers. The cohesion is needed to create unique features of the works. Pentatonic scale is a free-style art genre so it can be played anywhere.

He plays instrument in the place he visits to give useful advice to young people and inspire others to love their hometown and family members. For better life, please send our kids to school. Well-trained people will develop a good country. Before any performance, artisans often worship the founder. Despite not having altar for the founder, they still conduct this ritual to show their gratitude toward the creator of this art genre.

Offerings include cotton tree, banana tree stem, incense, read thread, rice, chicken or pork, tea, cakes, fruits, wine and a light which represents the master. Their performance in wedding party and other festivals can last one – two hours. This song is an indispensable part in the wedding ceremony of Khmer people. Artisans will sit in front of the wedding room, playing this song. The wedding song shows the gratitude of kids for their family members. The song reminds young people to preserve good tradition of the community. The song honors the faithful love and gives advice to couples on how to fulfill their family tasks.

The art genre is handed down in form of word of mouth. Only few people are interested in this art genre. The image of pentatonic scale artisan has come into the mind of Khmer people in the South. They sing to give good advice to young people. However, this special art genre is fading away and needs preserving.

Given its historical, cultural and scientific values, in 2013, MoCST recognized this art genre to be a national intangible heritage in form of folk art genre. This is the first step in preserving this genre of art. Obviously, this art genre is a part of the spiritual life of Khmer people in the South after their hand farming works.

Each musical instrument bears the unique features of each group. Pentatonic scale is a precious spiritual treasure of Khmer people over their development course. Pentatonic scale artisans are rustic farmers. Despite working hard, they still love their life, nature and people. This inspires them to create long-lasting cultural values.

 

Source: VTC10 - NETVIET

  • View
    4202
  • Share
    10
  • Comment
    0
  • 0
  • 16
  • 0

Cham Muslims in An Giang 5938 views

Cham Muslims in An Giang

An Giang is a famous destinations appealing numerous visitors in Mekong River Delta. Coming here, visitors will have the chance to learn more about the religious life of Cham Muslims – the only ethnic group in Vietnam following the Islam.

Culinary culture of Tra Vinh province 2978 views

Culinary culture of Tra Vinh province

Despite being a young land, Tra Vinh has diverse cultural treasures, especially intangible and tangible culture of Khmer people. In addition, the province has a unique culinary culture and traditional festivals attracting any tourists once coming here.

The Vietnamese Proclamation of Independence 6514 views

The Vietnamese Proclamation of Independence

During more than 80 years under the French domination, Vietnam experienced many hard fights to regain the independence. The Declaration of Independence of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam of Ho Chi Minh had marked independencefor the Vietnamese nation.

Predestined love tie with Ao Dai - Vietnamese long dress 5526 views

Predestined love tie with Ao Dai - Vietnamese long dress

In Vietnam, Ao Dai (traditional long dress) is made for anyone. It’s the standard outfit for any special and important occasions. It’s also considered the national costume that is loved by both Vietnamese women and international friends.

New Year of H’Mong People 4671 views

New Year of H’Mong People

Located in Moc Chau district about 40km from the town center, Ta Phinh village is known as the land of fog. Fog is considered a specialty of this place. When New Year of H’Mong people comes, the village is covered with colorful peach and plum blossoms.

Khen sound of H’Mong people 4491 views

Khen sound of H’Mong people

The khen is played in most of the activities of the H’Mong people. Khen sound of H’Mong people is a unique feature in this mountainous area, leaving unforgettable impressions on visitors once setting foot here.

Charming Vietnamese conical leaf hats 4029 views

Charming Vietnamese conical leaf hats

Vietnamese conical leaf hats have become an indispensable piece of clothing for Vietnamese women and a beautiful feature of Vietnamese culture. Leaf hats protect women against rain and sunstroke when they go to work and beautify them as well.

Cham Goddess in Vietnam culture 3976 views

Cham Goddess in Vietnam culture

Each region in Vietnam has different traditional rituals bearing specific features of this region. Among them, worshipping Cham Goddess of Cham people in Quang Nam is a distinctive ritual that contributes to enriching identity of Vietnam culture.

The jewelry making art of Vietnam 3749 views

The jewelry making art of Vietnam

The jewelry making art of Vietnam now is still preserved and developed by talented and devoted craftsmen. Discovering the method to turn some metal like silver and copper into works of art is an interesting experience for anyone.

Doan Thuong a famous character in Vietnam history 3296 views

Doan Thuong a famous character in Vietnam history

In the late 12th century and the early 13th century, Vietnam history had many fluctuations by the transferring between the Ly Dynasty and Tran Dynasty. This period appeared a famous historic character with the title “Dong Hai Dai Vuong” - Doan Thuong.

Worship of Tay Thien National Mother in Vietnamese belief culture 3201 views

Worship of Tay Thien National Mother in Vietnamese belief culture

The worship of Tay Thien National Mother makes a great spiritual space with many long-established relic sites which stand next to ancient pagodas. This creates a special link between Buddhism and the Mother Goddess worship in Vietnamese culture.

Then singing – A traditional Vietnamese singing genre 3139 views

Then singing – A traditional Vietnamese singing genre

Then singing is a traditional singing genre and an indispensable part in spiritual life of Tay and Nung ethnic people. “Then” songs are the journeys to the Heaven to pray for a peaceful and well-off life.

Vietnam – The S-shaped country 9826 views

Vietnam – The S-shaped country

Vietnam has a history of over 4,000 years founding and defending the country, is one of the cradles of the human species. Therefore, the materials on the history of Vietnam are a giant treasure anyone who want to find out this S-shaped country.

Ancient Vietnamese coins – Episode 1 9192 views

Ancient Vietnamese coins – Episode 1

Ancient Vietnamese coins are a special cultural heritage of the country. They reflect many aspects of social life and are valuable material which helps researchers get some insights into economic, political and social issues.

Special cultural features of Quan Ho singing 8250 views

Special cultural features of Quan Ho singing

Unlike other forms of folk music, Quan Ho songs don’t often mention such work as boating, fishing and so on. Quan Ho songs symbolize love, faith and desire to live a life full of love. That is a special feature of Quan Ho singing.

Ancient Vietnamese coins – Episode 2 8150 views

Ancient Vietnamese coins – Episode 2

Ancient Vietnamese coins play an important role in the exchange of Vietnam economy as well as politic and social development through feudal dynasties and confirm the self-reliance of Vietnam feudal dynasties and periods.

Vietnam History 1858-1945 6963 views

Vietnam History 1858-1945

The period from 1858 to 1945 is seen the important transitional period of Vietnam history. The period witnessed bloody fights of Vietnamese patriots against French colonists and Japanese fascists to regain the independence and liberation for the nation.

The Vietnamese Proclamation of Independence 6514 views

The Vietnamese Proclamation of Independence

During more than 80 years under the French domination, Vietnam experienced many hard fights to regain the independence. The Declaration of Independence of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam of Ho Chi Minh had marked independencefor the Vietnamese nation.

Cham Muslims in An Giang 5938 views

Cham Muslims in An Giang

An Giang is a famous destinations appealing numerous visitors in Mekong River Delta. Coming here, visitors will have the chance to learn more about the religious life of Cham Muslims – the only ethnic group in Vietnam following the Islam.

Vietnam history 1945-1954 5823 views

Vietnam history 1945-1954

Vietnam history in the period 1945-1954 witnessed the glorious victories of Vietnamese nation against the French colonists to regain the independence marking the collapse of the colonialism in Indochina and all over the world.

Predestined love tie with Ao Dai - Vietnamese long dress 5526 views

Predestined love tie with Ao Dai - Vietnamese long dress

In Vietnam, Ao Dai (traditional long dress) is made for anyone. It’s the standard outfit for any special and important occasions. It’s also considered the national costume that is loved by both Vietnamese women and international friends.

Vietnamese conical hats 5379 views

Vietnamese conical hats

Vietnamese conical hats can be seen in all parts of the S-shaped country, from the peaceful Northern countryside to the white sand Central region and the Southern region of rivers. Simple and elegant hats make Vietnamese women more and more graceful.



Download App X
Download App X