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nm

f of n

1
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tncutHUJ!
(QtMffi t
i
ftt n i n

fnfitfru a/ana'

Chhaiyaim

fs Chhaiyaim groups play music with a

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lively character that draws the attention of

listeners despite the fact that the ensemble has
no instruments that pky a melody. Instruments
used to play this type of music include four long
r ts: drums (there can be more or less, depending on
L
the resources available), as well as a Krap, Kong

n/p/nnj, r/Dtr, nSEfS, ru/5, Mang, Chhing, and Chhap.

* L
Because this music is very popular and
t tfiuj ruin's firs'?!; IUT HIS rutfiruw
Cn L L can attract crowds, Chhaiyaim is often played at
festivals such as the Flower Festival, at Kathen
(festivals raising money for the temple), the
r-)
[j n i J ceremony to bombus neak (ordain monks).
The musicians who play Chhaiyaim are
talented enough to gesture and mock while
beating their drums with various parts of their

62
 m

Figure 16: Chhaiyaim group performing locally at a Kathen ceremony.

hand. Chhaiyaim is characterized by phrases

. - played by one instrument and then answered by

another, passing different rhythms back and
(^
mSfe >•utfttf
I d J
Sr a
forth. Along with this playful exchange, there is
-
also a musician who sings out phrases while
others accompany him. Almost all the words
and phrases are comical in nature, causing
listeners to laugh. Some of the phrases,
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however, also praise leaders or those who have

s? ttitff
J
Rr
organized the ceremonies at which this music is
performed (figures 16).
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ruls/rf. td') ft tins')

U L

63