We might have expected a sparse and almost folklike musical treatment, designed to convey the familiar moral themes about love and selflessness during the holidays.

Henry story line lends itself to operatic treatment. With its warm sentimentality and easily absorbed archetypal themes, the O. Most Performed, Christmas/Holiday, Duration: 60-90 min, One Act/Chamber Opera Version for 7 instruments: Flute, Clarinet, Bassoon, Piano, Violin, Cello, Bassįull score and parts for both versions available for rental. Version for 14 instruments: Flute/Piccolo, Oboe, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Bassoon, Horn, Trumpet, Harp, Piano, String Quintet Soprano, 2 Baritones, Mezzo-Soprano, Bass-Baritone, Bass, Tenor In the final scene, after the couple has exchanged their gifts, Jim and Della reaffirm their love for one another, which they now realize is the greatest gift of all. In separate scenes, both lovers have confidants who try to dissuade them of their plans, each without success. When Jim buys Della an exquisitely elaborate comb for her hair, the only way he can raise the money is to sell his heirloom watch. Even though Jim adores her long, flowing tresses, Della sells her hair to wig makers so she can buy Jim a chain for his pocket watch.

After having pledged not to exchange Christmas gifts, both decide to sell their own most precious possession in order to buy what each thinks will make the other most happy. The action takes place late in the afternoon on Christmas Eve. Della (Soprano) and Jim (Baritone) are a young, poor couple in love, entirely devoted to each other. Nicholas Giardini's libretto captures the essence of the operatic drama contained in the classic O.

The story of magi