Silent Temples, Songful Hearts

Traditional Music of Cambodia

Sam-Ang Sam, Ph.D.
and Patricia Shehan Campbell, Ph.D.

Click to listen!

Click to listen!

ISBN 0-937203-36-X Book/audio cassette SET $24.95
ISBN 0-937203-74-2 Book/audio CD Set $24.95

Silent Temples, Songful Hearts presents an enlightening and enjoyable look at the traditional music and culture of Cambodia, and particularly how it is thriving today in communities outside of Cambodia.

This is the first time an in-depth yet non-technical collection of Khmer music has been prepared in English, geared for use in the music or social studies classroom, community outreach programs, or courses in ethnomusicology or Southeast Asian Studies. Written by Sam-Ang Sam, (a well-known and widely respected Khmer musician and ethnomusicologist who has devoted his life to preserving and sharing the musical traditions of Cambodia), and Patricia Shehan Campbell, music educator and ethnomusicologist, this fascinating book and audio set offers a wealth of personal insight and information on Cambodian music and culture.

Featuring personal comments by Sam-Ang, a living archive of Khmer music and culture, on each selection, the book includes a wide variety of songs and instrumental pieces, from children's lilting etiquette songs, game songs and dances to beginning drum, xylophone and flute pieces, to exciting boxing music and stories told through song and narration.

Those who had to leave their homeland of Cambodia as well as those who have welcomed them into their communities and hearts will find this to be an invaluable aid to understanding, cherishing and maintaining this truly beautiful musical tradition which is the foundation of Khmer culture.

The 8 1/2 x 11 book includes:

• 7 full transcriptions of instrumental, vocal and dance music, tradiitonal children's game songs and percussion pieces for beginners
• Many of the xylophone and flute parts can be performed on Orff xylophones and recorders.
• Musical overview of typical instruments
• In-depth study guides for each selection
• Sections on geography, history and culture
• Information on Cambodian communities in the US
• 36 photographs, 28 illustrations by Cambodian artists Yan Sam and Tho Sangphet
• 2 Maps
• Glossary, Bibliography, Index

The companion Audio Cassette or CD includes:

• All 17 selections performed by Sam-Ang Sam, his traditional ensemble and his daughters

About the Author

Sam-Ang Sam, Ph.D. is one of the very few remaining Khmer master artists who are alive and able to practice and teacher their art. He graduated from the University of Fine Arts in Phnom Penh, pursued graduate study athe the University of the Philippines and Connecticut College, graduated with a BA and MA in Music Composition. He received his Ph.D. degree in Ethnomusicology from Wesleyan University (CT). Sam-Ang has been honored with many grants and awards, most recently, a Macarthur Fellowship in acknowledgement of his dedication to Khmer traditional arts, and has performed throughout the world.

Patricia Shehan Campbell is Associate Professor of Music and chair of Music Education at the University of Washington. (See complete bio under Roots and Branches)

"Highly recommended for those teaching Cambodian students about their heritage, and others who may be interested in it." Multicultural Review

1991 Selected Recording of the American Folklife Center of The Library of Congress