Angkoran harp re-created

Researchers in Cambodia have re-created a working harp depicted on the walls of Angkor, possibly reviving a lost musical tradition.

Cambodian researchers, musicians revive ancient harp
ABC News, 20 May 2013

Musicians rebuild Cambodia’s lost ancient harp
ABC News, 21 May 2013

A Cambodian composer has revealed the sound of an ancient harp which has gone unheard for more than eight centuries.

The pin harp is shown being played by maidens in the stone reliefs on the walls of the Angkor Wat temple complex.

It lends its name to pinpeat orchestras, which perform ceremonial music of the royal courts and temples in Cambodia.

Archaeology lecturer Preap Chanmara says unlike the other orchestra instruments – cymbals, xylophones, flutes and drums – the pin harp has been lost.

“We know that there are many music instruments on the sculptures – some even dating back to the time before Angkor Era: the 7th century to the 13th century,” he said.

Full story here and here.