Khmer music is a vital aspect of Khmer life and culture, epitomizing Cambodia--its society, arts, customs, and beliefs. Khmer music in Cambodia and in the Khmer communities in Thailand and Vietnam has been shaped by four very different influences: Indian, Chinese, European, and indigenous traditions. Hinduism and Buddhism inspired local religious music; the great Indian epic, the Ramayana influenced dance. The oboes and double-headed barrel drums of Khmer ensembles originated in India. The Chinese introduced two-stringed fiddles, hammered dulcimers, drums, and cymbals; the Europeans, musical notation.

Not surprisingly, ancient Khmer civilization, which reached its peak during the Angkor period from the ninth to the fifteenth centuries, had a great influence on all aspects of culture including music. In the cities of Angkor stand gigantic structures that symbolize the union of celestial beings with earthly ones. Carved on the walls of those great temples are figures of the apsara (celestial nymphs or dancers)