This recording preserves original music created by Chum Ngek and Sara Say for Agangamasor & His Magic Power, a theatrical production in 2009 by the Cambodian Buddhist Society Cultural Group in Silver Spring, MD. Agangamasor & His Magic Power is the prequel to Reamker, a uniquely Khmer adaptation of the Indian Ramayana, one of the most ancient epic myths still known today. Reamker is the story of the hero, Preah Ream (Prince Rama), who is the earthly incarnation of Vishnu (Preah Noreay in Khmer), the guardian of the universe, and Agangamasor & His Magic Power conveys the mythological world as it was prior to the birth of Preah Ream. While this part of the Reamker is known among older Cambodians, until this production, it has never been retold in music and dance-drama.
credits
released October 8, 2021
Produced by Joanna Pecore
Recorded, mixed, and mastered by Pete Reiniger
Concept and artistic direction by Sara Say and Chum Ngek
Song lyrics and retelling by Sara Say
Musical arrangements and instrumentals by Chum Ngek
Vocals by Sara Say and Masady Mani
Translation, transcription, and transliteration assistance by Bobbharatn Rithipol, Raci Say, Vathana Say, and Vathany Say
Front cover photo: Preah Noreay (played by Masady Mani, right) engages in battle with Agangamasor (played by Puthyrith Sek, left). Photo by Stephane Janin.
Annotated by Joanna Pecore
Executive producers: Daniel E. Sheehy and John Smith
Production manager: Mary Monseur
Production assistant: Kate Harrington
Editorial assistance by Carla Borden
Art direction, design and layout by Galen Lawson