Preserving traditional Khmer music in the modern stream

Finding a way to preserve and promote the value of traditional art in general, and Khmer music in particular, has been a concern for researchers and artists. For Khmer music to survive in the modern flow, efforts from many sides are needed.

The Xiem Can Pagoda's Pentatonic Band (Vinh Trach Dong Commune, Bac Lieu City) practices a new performance for the festival.

THE “SOUL” OF KHMER ART

With diverse cultural colors, the Khmer people in Bac Lieu possess many unique traditional art forms formed in the life of labor production, the process of conquering nature and fighting against evil. These are Rom-vong dance, Chhay-dam drum dance, Robam dance, monkey-horse dance, Du Ke stage... Each type has its own characteristics, however, to develop in the spiritual life of the people, it needs to be combined with music. Because, thanks to the melody of music, the dance movements become more graceful, the performers are more sublime and contribute to creating a bustling atmosphere for cultural festivals. Music is therefore the "soul" of Khmer art!

However, traditional music, because it was formed a long time ago and originated from the people, is always at risk of being lost. In addition, in recent years, the generation of Khmer music inheritors has become older, while the younger generation has received less formal training. In particular, the introduction of modern music forms has become increasingly popular, causing traditional Khmer music to fall into a "disadvantaged" situation, especially as a segment of the youth has shown signs of turning their backs on traditional music. Evidence for this is that the number of five-tone music teams in the villages has not developed in quantity and quality, most of the members are elderly artisans. At the Five-tone Music and Khmer Folk Dance Festival within the framework of the Bac Lieu Cultural - Tourism Festival in 2022, only 10 teams from Khmer pagodas participated in the competition, while the whole province has 22 Khmer pagodas.

Students of Bac Lieu Province Boarding School for Ethnic Minorities perform a traditional dance. Photo: HT

PRESERVING THE VALUABLE ASSETS OF PHUM SOC

Traditional music is a valuable cultural asset of the Phum Soc people. Despite facing many challenges, preserving and promoting the value of Khmer music needs special attention. Mr. Kim Van Doi - musician of the Bac Lieu Khmer General Art Troupe, shared: "In recent times, the Troupe has regularly renewed Khmer folk music by combining musical instruments to create arrangements with unique melodies. With this approach, the Troupe's art programs are increasingly diverse and colorful, attracting many audiences, including young people to enjoy."

In addition, bringing Khmer music into schools is an idea that many researchers and artists agree with to form a team of successors. According to Professor Dang Hoanh Loan - who has many years of research on folk music, although many people, especially the younger generation, have an attitude of respecting traditional music, they do not have the ability to perform those melodies accurately and in the right style. Therefore, it is necessary to focus on opening local teaching classes for good singers and musicians to teach students to help them understand the meaning and love to study this subject.

In order for traditional Khmer music to be preserved and its value to be promoted in the modern flow, it is necessary to have the attention of all levels and sectors through support policies, training and propaganda. Along with that, it also requires creativity and continuous efforts from the Bac Lieu Khmer Art Troupe and especially the Khmer people so that Khmer music can increasingly develop and spread in the lives of the people in the villages.

Long life

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