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SAMPHOR & SKOR THOM
Description
The
Samphor is used in the "Pin Peat" music to lead the
orchestra. This instrument is made of hardwood such as "Khnor"
of "Kor Koh" (Reng or Beng). The barrel shape is always
held horizontally and has two heads, with one slightly
larger than the other. It is measured the large side at
55cm wide and the small side 35cm width. The Samphor,
which is placed in a horizontal position on a small
support to make it high enough for a seated musician. It
is played using the palm of the hands.
The
Samphor is considered to be a sacred drum and indeed
when the drum skin is full ready to place across the
Samphor, some people claim that the skin may only be
fixed on Thursday. When the process does take place,
prayer and offerings are given asking the spirits to
give the Samphor the best sound.
Cow or
horse skin is used for the drum head and the process of
the preparation is called either "Peas Sbek" or "Das
Sbek". This constantly is soaking the skin in water
which has salt and camphor mixed in it. the help to
remove the hair and toughen the skin.
The
skin is cut into a round shape, larger that the actual
drum head and is fastened to the Samphor using
cane or cow skin strings pulled very tight. If necessary
the tension of the skin can be adjusted, could for
example, the skin becoming too loose. The pitch of the
Samphor can be adjusted by adding a paste known
as "Bai Samphor" on the center of the head. Bai
Samphor consist of cooked rice mixed with water,
which is then squeezed and ash added.
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The
Skor Thom is a bass drum and is used in the of the
popular Khmer orchestras. It is made of hardwood such as
"Khnor" or "Chreh", which produce a high quality sound.
The Skor Thom is a barrel -shaped and has two
heads made of cow, ox or buffalo hide. Unlike other
drums which are beaten with the hands, Skor Thom
is struck with two wooden sticks.
The
skin before it is stretched over the heads of the
Skor Thom, undergoes a special process. First the
green hide is cured in special liquid, then placed to
dry in the sun. During the drying process, coconut oil
is rubbed into the hide to soften it and to assist the
quality of sound when it is placed across the heads of
the Skor Thom.
The
Skor Thom represents the sound of thunder and when
used in classical dance music, provides the basic rhythm
for the dancers to follow. In "Pin Peat" music, the
Skor Thom and the "Samphor" drums are placed
at the front of the orchestra, as they are considered to
be the dominant instruments. Both instruments are the
leading tool of the Khmer orchestras.
note: click on the
sound link to listen to the sound of the instrument.
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