Preah Ream ( Rama in the Ramayana)

Preah Ream ( Rama in the Ramayana)

Preah Ream is the seventh incarnation of Vishnu, from whom he inherited perfection, might and kindness.
He is destined to kill the deamon Reap.
Ousted from his father's throne that should have been his by right, Preah Ream exiled himself into the wilderness with Neng Seda and Preah Lak.

The Reamker ( or Khmer Ramayana)

The Reamker is Khmer version of the Ramayana, a Sanskrit epic from ancient India.
The tale is depicted on Angkor Wat bas-reliefs.
The epic tells the life of Preah Ream, his exile from the throne, the abduction of his wife Neang Seda by Reap, the ensuing war and his reconquest of the throne.

Hanuman

Hanuman, white monkey and son of the god of the wind whose nimbleness and speed he inherited, became general of the monkeys'army.
Said to be immortal, he is a brave, strong and intelligent vassal to Preah Ream. Together they fight Reap, kill him and deliver Neang Seda.

"Sralai" oboe

"Sralai" oboe

The Sralai is the only wind instrument in the orchestra. It sets the pitch for the other instruments.
Its quadruple reed and slightly pierced conical body are reminiscent of the western oboe.
To be able to play without a pause, even to draw breath, the player must master continuous breathing techniques.

"Samphor" and "Skor Thom" Drums

"Samphor" and "Skor Thom"   Drums

The Samphor, a two-skin horizontal dram, leads the orchestra. It gives the start, marks the pauses and sets the rythm.
The Samphor is supported by two Skor Thom, large oblique drums, and by Chhing, small bronze cymbals with a high pitch tone.