Beethoven's Last Night by Trans-Siberian Orchestra (CD, Apr-2000, Atlantic)

This original work is a truly brilliant masterpiece. When a curious music enthusiast asks a veteran TSO fan to describe the music of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, it is very often referred to as the result of what would happen when “Mozart Meets Metallica”.

These immensely talented musicians reverently take classical music, give it a hard rock edge and totally pull it off. Hearing the result of their efforts of adding screaming electric guitars and hard-hitting drums to the works of Mozart and Beethoven, is a true joy. The original compositions contained therein are also very well done and sung beautifully.

This entire CD is the story of the last night of Ludwig von Beethoven’s life. On a stormy spring night, Fate and her son, Twist, appear out of the shadows to inform Ludwig that this is his last night on earth. To make matters worse, Mephistopheles shows up to collect the composer’s soul.

Playing a horrifying game, the Devil offers Beethoven a ghastly deal. If Beethoven gives Mephistopheles all of his music, wiping it from the memory of man, his soul will be returned to him. Weighing the choices before him, Beethoven hesitates. Fearing the eternal damnation and torment is just as bad as losing his music, his life’s work.

Once the choice is made, the Devil is not happy, so, an even more repulsive scenario is presented to Beethoven, adding to his turmoil even further. What happens next, I leave to you to discover on your own.

You will not be disappointed in either the story or the music. The best way to enjoy this arrangement, and to fully appreciate the trials and tribulations of Beethoven on that fateful night, is to read the first part of the story in the enclosed booklet, listen and read the lyrics of the first song, read the second part of the story, then listen and read the lyrics of the second song, etc. The songs and lyrics are part and continuation of the story.

The folks who reviewed this work and didn't like the other songs, may not have done the above exercise, and therefore did not experience the full impact that this composition provides.

Also, try to avoid the story summary at the very beginning of the booklet…it gives away the outstanding surprise ending to the tale.

I would love it if the Trans-Siberian Orchestra would just put out many CD’s of just the hard rock-classical music; not necessarily in the same story format as above, which had to have been an incredible amount of work, but just the music itself. What a perfect way to enjoy the pairing of two vastly different styles of music.

Highly, highly recommended !! (Their Christmas CD’s are also a must have for your music collection.)

IF YOU FOUND THIS REVIEW HELPFUL PLEASE VOTE. THANK YOU !!

Rock version of some of Beethoven's music. The Trans-Siberian Orchestra's first non-holiday-themed album, Beethoven's Last Night, incorporates some of the composer's most noted pieces with original ones that peer into Beethoven's psyche. Pieces like "What Is Eternal," "What Good This Deafness," and "Last Illusion" update Beethoven's dramatic, portentous style, while "Requiem (the Fifth)" and "Fur Elise" lend themselves surprisingly well to the orchestra's stylized fusion of classical and rock music.

I bought Beethoven's Last Night- Trans Siberian Orchestra as an Easter gift. The songs are excellent. I heard a few of them and what I heard makes you want to dance. Even the person I bought the cd for just loves it.

i first heard the trans-siberian orchestra christmas songs a few years ago and loved it. i started searching for more of their music and was extremely happy i found beethoven's last night. i love it.

Loved the TSO cd! I saw TSO for the first time when they did their Beethoven's Last Night spring tour, and immediately feel it love with them and their music. I wanted to keep reliving my experience, so I bought their CD. I now rock out to it almost every day...along with my 2 yr old son. =D