Gamelan (from Cirque du Soleil's "O"): String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts
By Benoit Jutras / arr. Michael Story
Grade: 2
Item: 00-PK-0001542
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Description
Straight from the spectacular Cirque du Soleil stage production, "O," comes this haunting and beautiful song. Both primitive and sophisticated, this dramatic arrangement will be a welcome addition to any string performance! (2:40)
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Gamelan (from Cirque du Soleil's "O"): String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts 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:
Orchestra Expressions
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
80
SKU:
00-PK-0001542
More about this title
About the Composer: Benoit Jutras
Benoit Jutras is a Canadian composer whose work spans film, television, and live performance. He served as the principal composer for Cirque du Soleil productions for nearly two decades, creating the distinctive soundscapes that define shows like "O," "Alegría," and "Mystère."
Jutras brings orchestral sophistication to theatrical storytelling, blending world music influences with contemporary composition techniques. His music for Cirque productions has been heard by millions of spectators worldwide and remains central to the company's artistic identity.
Why we love this
This arrangement captures the theatrical magic of Cirque du Soleil without demanding virtuosic technique, making it genuinely accessible for Grade 2 orchestras while maintaining artistic credibility. The piece carries real dramatic weight: it opens doors to programming that feels sophisticated and contemporary rather than traditional, and audiences respond immediately to its haunting, otherworldly character.
What to expect
Hypnotic and dreamlike, with an undercurrent of ancient ritual. The piece conjures images of water, shadow, and controlled mystery, building quiet intensity through layered textures rather than loud dynamics. It feels simultaneously primal and refined, exactly as intended for the aquatic spectacle of "O."
Who it's for
String orchestra directors programming Grade 2 concerts who want repertoire with genuine theatrical appeal and contemporary relevance. This works for ensembles seeking pieces that engage student musicians through distinctive musical character rather than technical complexity.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the melody with subtle dynamic shaping rather than aggressive contrast; the piece's power comes from controlled intensity and sustained tone quality.
- Pay attention to the balance between sections marked with percussion and gamelan-inspired textures; these rhythmic layers need clarity without drowning out the string writing.
- Allow time for ensemble breath points to reset: this piece benefits from the sense that musicians are truly listening to each other rather than rushing through passages.
- Experiment with the recorded accompaniment to hear how the arrangement sits within the original Cirque context; it often clarifies the intended emotional arc.
How to use it
Program this as a concert centerpiece or transition piece that resets the room's energy. It pairs well with world-influenced repertoire or other contemporary arrangements, and it works especially effectively in concerts themed around theater, visual arts, or non-traditional music experiences.
Skills your students will build
- Sustaining tone quality through lyrical passages without vibrato strain
- Reading rhythmic patterns influenced by gamelan and world music structures
- Balancing ensemble sound across divisi sections
- Responding to dramatic pacing and theatrical timing cues
- Listening for textural clarity in pieces with layered instrumentation