The Book and the Sword - Nine Music Box

On April 12, 1976, the television series "The Legend of the Condor Heroes," produced by CTV (Commercial Television), premiered. Starring Pak Biu, Michelle Yim, and Leung Siu-lung, the series received rave reviews and soaring ratings, instantly boosting CTV's profile. "The Legend of the Condor Heroes" was the first television adaptation of Jin Yong's novel, breaking the ratings record previously held by TVB (Television Broadcasts Limited) and sparking the first major battle for the television rights to martial arts novels.
In order to compete with CTV's "The Legend of the Condor Heroes", TVB produced its first Jin Yong martial arts drama, "The Book and the Sword", written and directed by Wong Tin-lam, and starring Adam Cheng, Liza Wang, Gigi Wong, Candice Yu, and Louise Lee.
"The Book and the Sword" is Jin Yong's first wuxia novel. Originally titled "The Book and the Sword", it was serialized in the Hong Kong newspaper "Xin Wan Bao" from February 8, 1955 to September 5, 1956.
On June 28, 1976, TVB broadcast the TV series "The Book and the Sword," in which Adam Cheng played three roles: Chen Jialuo, Emperor Qianlong, and Fukang'an. Adam Cheng perfectly captured the gentle and refined nature of Chen Jialuo, the cunning and treacherous nature of Emperor Qianlong, and the cunning and treacherous nature of Fukang'an.
The album "The Book and the Sword" released by Entertainment Records is the first complete soundtrack of a TV series in the Hong Kong music scene, containing a total of fourteen theme songs and interludes from the series.
The theme song and incidental music in the TV series "The Book and the Sword" were all composed by Joseph Koo, with lyrics by Gao Shanxi and lyrics by Lo Kwok-cheung. Gao Shanxi is the lyricist Wong Jim, who is known as one of the "Four Great Talents of Hong Kong". He composed the theme song "Who is the Great Hero" for the TV series "The Legend of the Condor Heroes" produced by CTV, under the pen name "Liu Jie".

The theme song for "The Book and the Sword" had two versions. The production team was in a hurry to record the theme song, but the lead actor, Adam Cheng, was not in Hong Kong. Director Wong Tin-lam invited Roman Tam to sing it. After recording, Cheng rushed back to Hong Kong and proposed that since it was a series he starred in, he should sing the theme song. After some discussion, the production team decided to record another version for Cheng. During the broadcast, the theme songs sung by both Cheng and Tam were played alternately every ten episodes, with Cheng's version leading the way.
Both Adam Cheng and Roman Tam's versions have their own merits, and Joseph Koo created different arrangements to suit their individual styles. Roman Tam's performance is grounded and restrained, conveying a sense of grandeur. Adam Cheng's singing is unrestrained and majestic, perfectly complementing the deeply moving character and showcasing the spirit of a chivalrous hero. In 1986, at the "Adam Cheng Golden Hits Medley," the two sang this magnificent piece together, one in ancient costume and the other in modern attire.
Liza Wang played the role of Huo Qingtong in the drama, and her performance was incredibly vivid. Liza Wang sang four theme songs, including "Allah, My Lord," "What Does Life Ask For," "Choosing a Husband," and "Green Waters and Waves," and also sang "Longing" and "Farewell" with Adam Cheng, leaving a deep impression on the audience.
At just eighteen years old, Kwan Kuk-ying sang two theme songs, "Nothing Is Satisfying" and "A Beautiful Night with Flowers and Moon," and her performance was captivating.
As TVB's first Hong Kong martial arts drama adapted from Jin Yong's novel, "The Book and the Sword" followed the original story exactly. After its premiere in 1976, it swept Hong Kong, thus beginning TVB's era of adapting Jin Yong's martial arts dramas. This series also catapulted Adam Cheng to fame, establishing him as Hong Kong's leading martial arts actor.