China

by Vangelis

China cover art
  • Type: Album
  • Released: April 1979
  • Label: Polydor
  • Country: Greece
  • Length: 41:29
  • Community rating: 3.2/5 from 2 ratings

Album Notes & Community Reviews

Deeply fascinated by Eastern culture, the Greek synthesizer maestro constructed a sweeping, highly cinematic conceptual tribute to the nation of China. Without using authentic traditional instruments, he brilliantly utilized modern synthesizers and studio effects to emulate the pentatonic scales and distinct timbres of classical Chinese music. The sweeping, romantic atmospheres signaled his shift away from pure progressive rock towards grand, cinematic soundscapes.

Genres

Descriptors: atmospheric, conceptual, instrumental

Tracklist

  1. Chung Kuo (5:30)
  2. The Long March (2:02)
  3. The Dragon (4:13)
  4. The Plum Blossom (2:36)
  5. The Tao Of Love (2:45)
  6. The Little Fete (2:59)
  7. Yin & Yang (5:55)
  8. Himalaya (10:37)
  9. Summit (4:48)

Credits

  • Michel Ripoche - soloist, violin
  • Koon Fook Man - narrator [recited by]
  • Yeung Hak-Fun - narrator [recited by]

More from Vangelis: full discography