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

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 !!

My wife and I are huge TSO fans, and wanted to complete our TSO CD collection. While we both enjoyed this CD, we did not like it to the same extent as the TSO Christmas CD's, which we play just about constantly from November to January. That being said, there are a couple of songs that tug on the emtotions, and several guitar licks that just about set fire to the curtains. I recommend this CD if you are a TSO fan, but if you are just starting to check them out, you might want to start with their Christmas albums.

The Music on this album is full of inspiration. It's perfect for those of us who like to enjoy a quiet night at home and need the sound of experts behind the music to set the mood. The low cost was great for my budget and has inspired me to look for similar products. My only complaint is that fact that their are vocal features on a few of the songs and that isn't part of true classical music in my eyes. I do recommend this to anyone that is looking for a great buy at a low price or for those that enjoy the sound of relaxing music.

Great classical music/rock opera music. Great take on the classics. Very entertaining, awsome to listen to. Some hard and heavy songs, some light and peaceful.

I was a little wary of this cd because of previous posts about the singing. Since there's not much out there for this orchestra I chanced it anyway. I'm sure glad I did. Great music with beautiful voices. The only problem with this cd...there's not enough of it. It has me wishing for more.

Incredible music, an art unto itself. Must hear to believe
This would be a wonderful gift.
This is great for Transiberian Orchestra lovers, looking for something other than Christmas music.

I have all their music but tis one is the best,I get pumped when I listen to it. Great way to get the house cleaned in a hurry! Beethoven would be proud,I love classical be this is exciting!!!!! Recommend it to everyone every age!

I love this group and what they do with music. The energy it gives off is contagious and gets me energized with every song. I do wonder what Beethoven would think about their way of presenting his work. I hope he would be just as happy with it as I am. Great cd.

Great price, good shipping. Would buy from again. Brand new not a burned copy like some other sellers try to get away with.

My fiance and I both love this CD. It is very unique, but if you like rock, orchestra, or both there's a good chance you'll also like this CD. It is very unique and catchy. EXCELLENT CD!!!

Trans-Siberian Orchestra is nothing short of phenomenal. Their music is euphoric. Classical music meets rock and the end result excites. I listen to this CD year round, but higly recommend their Christmas CDs too. Don't miss them in concert either . . it's a night you'll remember. At the very least, visit their official website and view their videos. You'll be convinced!

I needed to get a christmas present for my father and I remembered he had heard some TOS music once before and really liked it. Keeping that in mind, I bought several cds including "Beethoven's Last Night."

This has quickly become one of MY favorite albums despites the aspects that I dislike. About half of the songs are so powerful that the more then compensate for the less captivating ones.

TSO is a different genre of music. I think if you like TSO, you would like all their CD's. I bought this one because I have "The Christmas Attic" and found it spellbinding; not only the music, but through reading, also the story. The same holds true in this CD. I was also pleasantly surprised by the high number of cuts on it (>20!) and the variety. It is pleasing to listen to, yet can also be invigorating. I hope you enjoy it as have I.

Fan of TSO and did not have this CD. Would recommend to any TSO fan. If you have been to their concerts, you have heard some of this CD. While it is "Beethoven's Last Night", it is not for those looking for regular classical Beethoven.

Smooth chords an amazing blend of the classics with the current. could not ask for a better way to relax and at the same time feed the inner rocker

This is some of my favorite music in the world! The Trans-Siberian Orchestra has added their style and talent to these classical favorites to make them outstanding musical pieces. You will not be disappointed.

A co worker, Brandon, brought it in around the holidays. Absolutely love it! It has just the right amount of everything!

Outstanding display of TSO musical expert delivery. A more dark sided view, however, told in thier wimsical method of story telling with good winning out over evil. A must for those that are deep into what TSO does best !!

I recently saw Trans-Siberian Orchestra live and was totally blown away! I was interested in some of their other work that was not featured in the show.

It's all good!

My husband and I saw TSO in concert and they were the best show we had ever seen, so after seeing them I wanted to get this cd for it has alot of the music that we heard that night thanks e-bay for the memories.

TSO has arrived. Once you have heard them, you will always recognize them. I can almost see the men in Russian costumes dancing to some of the music. Then it abruptly changes. Toward the end of the CD, I found the words and story that go with the tunes. Will have to read along with the music next time. I liked the Russian music the best. For some reason, I thought it would be mostly instrumental, which obviously it is not. I am anxious to play it for my friends and get their reaction. Love it!

There is nothing bad about this cd or the group - both are excellent. I have seem them in concert as well, and highly advise you to catch a show if you can. The cheap seats are almost better, since you can get an idea of how intense the light show is through the whole place. Anyway, their music is phenomenal!

if you haven't heard of TSO your going to love them.. and the best thing i can say to really feel and apprecatice the music you need to see a show.. they are awesome

I found this CD to be A great twist on some old classical music. Though I thought that some of the lyrics and vocals could be A bit better.. All in all a very good pice of music...