Template:Short description Template:Infobox anthem
"Nokor Reach" (Template:IPAc-en; Template:Langx {{#invoke:IPA|main}} – Template:Lit) is the national anthem of Cambodia. It is based on a Cambodian folk tune and was written by Chuon Nath.<ref name=":3" />
HistoryEdit
"Nokor Reach" originated from a folk poetry usually performed with chapei in ancient era for storytelling and to disclose any recent events.<ref name=":0">Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
The music of "Nokor Reach" was composed between 1938 and 1939 by Prince Norodom Suramarit during the reign of King Sisowath Monivong with help of J. Jekyll and François Perruchot,<ref name=":3">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> the Royal Palace's musical instructors. The lyrics were not finished until 20 July 1941 by Choun Nath, a few months after King Norodom Sihanouk's coronation. In the same year, it was adopted then reconfirmed in 1947 as a national anthem for the country.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
In 1970, the monarchy was abolished by the Khmer Republic, thereby replacing the state's national anthem as well. After the communists' victory in 1975, former royalist symbols, including "Nokor Reach", were reinstated for a short while. The Khmer Rouge then replaced it with "Dap Prampi Mesa Chokchey" ("Glorious Seventeenth of April") in January 1976.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> After the royalist party FUNCINPEC defeated the former communists (Cambodian People's Party) in the 1993 elections, the royalist state anthem was restored.<ref name=":0"/>
LyricsEdit
"Nokor Reach" is a poem consisting of three verses and each verse consists of five lines. The first verse is considered to be official and is usually performed at most official settings.
| Khmer original | UNGEGN transliteration | IPA transcriptionTemplate:Efn | English translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| lang}}</poem> | <poem>Template:Translit</poem> | main}}</poem> | <poem>May the Angels save our king
Granting him happiness and prosperity We, his servants, wish to refuge under his completeness Of sovereign's line, the ones being to build temples Reigning over old Khmer's glorious land. Temples of stone, hidden amid forests Bethought of the mighty great kingdom triumphs Khmer race stands tough and solid as eternal stone We pray for the best upon Cambodia's destiny A grand nation've ever occurred for. Dharma risen, up from monasteries Chant with joy, commemorate of Buddhism Let us be faithful to our ancestors' belief Assuredly, Angels will grant its bounty Toward Khmer's, the grand nation.</poem> |
Until the end of the French protectorate, a fourth verse praising the friendship between the Khmer and the French people was sung:<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
| Khmer original | English translation |
|---|---|
| lang}}</poem> | <poem>In peace and in battle
Cambodia was the friend of France The blood of their heroes was not shed in vain Because a day will dawn that will see the triumph As well as the union of all Khmers</poem> |
See alsoEdit
- "March of the Khmer Republic"
- "Dap Prampi Mesa Chokchey"
- Anthem of the People’s Republic of Kampuchea<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>Template:Efn
NotesEdit
ReferencesEdit
External linksEdit
- Cambodia: "Nokor Reach" - Audio of the national anthem of Cambodia, with information and lyrics
- Nokor Reach Instrumental VDO clip on YouTube
- Nokor Reach with lyrics VDO clip on YouTube
- Cambodian National Anthem - The page "Cambodian View" includes a page about the anthem, which includes a vocal version of the anthem.