Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24: Bassoon
As Performed by Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Words and music by Paul O'Neill and Robert Kinkel / arr. Bob Phillips
Grade: 3
Item: 00-PC-0016359_B1
$3.00
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Description
As seen in the mind-boggling Trans-Siberian stage show! This thought-provoking medley of Christmas tunes describes a lone cellist playing Christmas carols in the midst of the Bosnian war. The piece reflects the power, drama, and hope of a single musician in the midst of war, reflecting on the power of music to bring hope. Similar to the popular string arrangement, this full orchestra setting includes a rock rhythm section that contributes to an intense and very hip musical experience. Perhaps include a field trip to see the band live with lights and effects. (3:10) This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24: Bassoon comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.
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Additional Details
Series:
Pop Concert Full Orchestra
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
220
SKU:
00-PC-0016359_B1
More about this title
About the Composer: Paul O'Neill
Paul O'Neill founded the Trans-Siberian Orchestra in 1996, creating a theatrical concert experience that fuses rock, classical, and world music traditions. His compositions have become winter concert staples, known for their narrative depth and ability to blend orchestral richness with contemporary rock energy.
O'Neill's work emphasizes storytelling through music, often exploring themes of hope and resilience. His arrangements for full orchestra demonstrate sophisticated harmonic writing that honors both classical instrumentation and modern production values, making his pieces accessible to student musicians while maintaining artistic integrity.
Why we love this
This arrangement captures the raw emotional power of a single musician's defiant act of music-making during conflict, translated into a full orchestral setting that challenges young musicians to balance technical precision with genuine dramatic conviction. The rock rhythm section anchors the piece in contemporary energy while the string writing carries the weight of the narrative, giving orchestras across all sections meaningful material that serves the story rather than just the notes.
What to expect
A collision of classical beauty and contemporary urgency. The piece builds from intimate moments of reflection to sweeping, almost defiant orchestral statements, with the rock elements lending an unexpected vitality that keeps the work from ever feeling purely nostalgic. You'll feel both the fragility and the resilience of music itself.
Who it's for
Orchestra directors seeking a winter concert piece that engages students emotionally and musically across all sections, from strings to percussion. This work suits advanced middle school and high school orchestras ready for Grade 3 technical demands and the interpretive maturity required to honor its subject matter.
How to get the most out of it
- Build the dynamic arc deliberately; this piece lives in its contrasts between sparse, isolated passages and full orchestral moments. Resist the urge to play everything with equal intensity.
- Establish a rock-solid foundation with your rhythm section from the first rehearsal. The interaction between rock drums and classical timpani/percussion defines the piece's identity.
- Balance the solo cello (or cellos) so it cuts through the full orchestra in the medley sections. This solo voice is your emotional anchor.
- Study the original Trans-Siberian Orchestra recording to understand the intended soundscape, but encourage your musicians to find their own expressive voice within the structure.
How to use it
Position this as a centerpiece of your winter concert, pairing it with lighter holiday selections to create dramatic contrast and demonstrate the full range of your ensemble's abilities. The theatrical scope and compelling narrative make it equally effective as a season opener that sets an ambitious, mature tone for your orchestra's work.
Skills your students will build
- Managing dynamic range from pp to ff with precision and control
- Balancing featured solo lines against full orchestral texture
- Coordinating rock rhythm section with classical orchestra instrumentation
- Reading and executing a substantial conductor score with multiple time signatures and tempo shifts
- Sustaining ensemble focus through a narrative-driven, emotionally demanding piece