The “Chapei†is two stringed musical instrument that is plucked with the fingers in a manner similar to playing a guitar and is bringing to Cambodian audiences tunes that have not been played since the 1970s. By the way, this music is a more ancient art- a haunting style once heard within the temple walls of Angkor Wat.
At present time, playing Chapei is rarely seen in the public; in radio or TV. But we always see it being performed during national events such as water festival, Khmer New Year at the front of National Museum. By contrast, modern concerts have been organized all Khmer TVs every week.
Chapei professionals are now rare. By estimating, the art may die out by 2010 if Cambodia does not do something. That is the duty of ministry of culture and fine arts and other relevant institutions to take attention to preserving it.
The Chapei players were rugged, sparse singers- often just a man and slide guitar roaming the fields, like outcast troubadours. Chapei players sing about any subject, from ancient Hindu and Buddhist epics to bawdy social commentary. Some songs are serious; others are funny.
Kong Nei said that the Chapei was known by the Sanskrit name pinn before arriving in Cambodia. This was some time before Angkor as there are picture of Chapei carved on the Angkor temples. Phnom Penh Post reported.
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