Various Artists

*2022 stock. In process of stocking* A country shaped by struggles with Chinese, French, Japanese and American invasions. That is how Vietnam stands in the minds of many, while its culture most people actually know little about. It is a rich culture, whose musical heritage has developed over a thousand years' time. Celestial Harmonies, early in 1994, released the first two volumes of The Music of Vietnam series in order to bring this beautiful, fascinating music to the world at large.

It is under different circumstances that Celestial Harmonies announces the release of The Music of Vietnam 3-CD Boxed Set, complete with the final volume of the series The Music of Vietnam, Volume Two recorded at Hue. In 1995 the trade embargo against Vietnam was lifted, something only just considered at the time Volumes 1.1 and 1.2 were released. The United States government reestablished diplomatic relations with Vietnam, and Robert S. McNamara's In Retrospect: The Tragedy and Lessons of Vietnam rose to number one on the New York Times' best seller list. While there is still a great deal to learn about the culture of Vietnam, circumstances are beginning to encourage such learning.

Celestial Harmonies presents this definitive collection of music of the Vietnamese people. Though many cultures that share some part of their history with Vietnam have left unmistakable im pressions, this collection spotlights the music which belongs to the Vietnamese people. Mainstream traditional, or folk music composes the first two volumes; the last volume captures the essence of the music of the Imperial Court. Together the 3 CD set offers a glimpse into a colorful and complex culture.