christmas eve

The Trans-Siberian Orchestra came on the air waves in 1996 and their song "Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24" captivated me. It was (and still is) a powerful, rock version of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" and "Carol of the Bells." The Bosnian War and the siege of Sarajevo ended in February 1996 and then the song was released on the TSO's debut album "Christmas Eve and Other Stories" in 1996. The piece describes a lone cello player playing a forgotten Christmas carol in war-torn Sarajevo.

The story behind "Christmas Eve/Sarajevo...

"We heard about this cello player born in Sarajevo many years ago who left when he was fairly young to go on to become a well-respected musician, playing with various symphonies throughout Europe. Many decades later, he returned to Sarajevo as an elderly man—at the height of the Bosnian War, only to find his city in complete ruins.

I think what most broke this man's heart was that the destruction was not done by some outside invader or natural disaster—it was done by his own people. At that time, the Serbs were shelling Sarajevo every night. Rather than head for the bomb shelters like his family and neighbors, this man went to the town square, climbed onto a pile of rubble that had once been the fountain, took out his cello, and played Mozart and Beethoven as the city was bombed.

He came every night and began playing Christmas Carols from that same spot. It was just such a powerful image—a white-haired man silhouetted against the cannon fire, playing timeless melodies to both sides of the conflict amid the rubble and devastation of the city he loves. Some time later, a reporter traced him down to ask why he did this insanely stupid thing. The old man said that it was his way of proving that despite all evidence to the contrary, the spirit of humanity was still alive in that place.

The song basically wrapped itself around him. We used some of the oldest Christmas melodies we could find, like "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" and "Carol of the Bells" part of the medley (which is from Ukraine, near that region). The orchestra represents one side, the rock band the other, and single cello represents that single individual, that spark of hope." (taken from Wikipedia).

It's a lovely story and a powerful piece of music, one that embraces the spirit of peace on earth and goodwill to all.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24