The artists of Cambodia were hit especially hard by the genocide orchestrated by Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge in the '70s. Casting musicians, actors, dancers, and writers as subversives, Pot especially set out to destroy the guardians of Cambodia's classical music. Fortunately, enough of the original members of the National Dance Company of Cambodia survived to carry on and even school a new generation of dancers, singers, and instrumentalists. While still under some threat to a now deflated Khmer Rouge, the company has been able to thrive and even tour throughout the country again. This Real World recording of the Company helps bring its history and music to the attention of those unfamiliar with the ancient dance drama of Cambodia. Recorded in performance at the Real World studios in England, this stunning collection of songs covers styles played by classical orchestras, wedding ensembles, and folk groups. The performances are rich and resonant, featuring various instrumental combinations culled from a traditional array of gongs, flutes, drums, xylophones, modified violins, oboes, and, of course, solo and group singers. A highlight of the Real World catalog. ~ Stephen Cook, Rovi
