The monumental tale of Three Kingdoms is set in the waning days of the Han Dynasty, when the last Han emperors placed heavy trust in eunuchs and ostracized able officials. The government became extremely corrupt and inefficient, leading to serious deterioration in the economy and national security. In the turbulent years, ambitious men like Cao Cao, Liu Bei and Sun Quan rose to power one after another, laying foundations for the three kingdoms — Wei, Shu and Wu, while other strong forces like Yuan Shao, Liu Biao, Ma Teng and Gongsun Zan were eliminated in the struggles. The master narrative transforms history into epic and has thereby exemplifies unforgettable martial and civic virtue, personal fidelity and political treachery. History goes beyond our imagination. As best exemplified in the opening remarks of the classical novel Romance of Three Kingdoms, domains under heaven, after a long period of division, tends to unite; after a long period of union, tends to divide.

The year of 2007, eighteen centuries after the historical era of the tale, marks the birthday of an original epic album — Three Kingdoms. During the three years to get it ready, the producers and performers dedicated themselves into the innovative task. Now they want to say, every effort pays off.

The novel is studded with numerous “mini-stories”, many of which could be developed into full-length novels in their own right. Twelve of the most well-known ones are selected in the album, as a very high level summary of the entire story. Orchestras combined by both Chinese and western instruments represent both a historical and international approach. Grand musical expressions echo the breadth of vision of the heroes from ancient times.

The epic journey, beginning with The Fateful Moment at the end of Han Dynasty and concluding with Three Kingdoms Become One marking unification after years of division, is a fulfilling unity. Large scale strings are used to build up the grand background. The epic focuses on the warring years and extends beyond the battles.

Scenes of battles are present in several pieces, especially the most classic two: The Battle of Red Cliff and the Battle of Guandu, which have been collected in the album. Besides is the richness of sentiments. Each piece adopts a different approach and unique set of instruments. Detailed explanations for every piece are provided in music descriptions below.

In addition to the careful preparations, we are also lucky to have the top musicians to give their performances, Zhang Weiliang, Zhao Jiazhen, Zhang Qiang, Du Cong, Wang Jianhua, National Orchestra of China, China Philharmonic Orchestra, to name but a few. The recording is delicately done by Li Xiaopei at the 480 square Meter Recording Studio of CCTV 。Producers of Rhymoi Music even traveled to Japan to finish the post production with JVC-XRCD Master Center. The American music critic Joshua Cheek reviewed the album and offered his suggestions.

Three Kingdoms offers not only marvelous scenes on the canvas of history but also a source for thoughts, an insight and outlook into life itself. It touches the heart and sings for the dream.