Vangelis uses ringing synthesizer textures & stately rhythms to evoke the majesty of China, in a similar fashion to another of his "geography" works, Antarctica. While a few tracks use acoustic piano & other organic instruments, the centerpieces " Chung Kuo, The Dragon" & " Himalaya" use bracing percussion & synthesizer effects to emphasize the subjects (each reflected by its title). ~ John Bush, AMG