Trans-Siberian Orchestra - Beethoven’s Last Night

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Who would have thought that after over a decade of relative obscurity, a Christmas-themed side project featuring members of and people associated with SAVATAGE would turn into one of the biggest rock bands on the Earth, with tours selling out arenas in America? Personally, I credit TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA as a band that got me into heavy metal. Al Pitrelli’s lead guitar on their renditions of classics like “O Holy Night” and “The Nutcracker” made me entranced by the sound of lead guitar and even though they’re relatively light compared to what I’ve been listening to recently, I still love much of their music.

“Beethoven’s Last Night” was originally released in 2000, but up until this re-release, was very difficult to find, probably because up until last year’s “Nightcastle,” it was their only non-holiday release, so it was often shelved in a separate location from the holiday albums. Considering how well “Nightcastle” sold, people are definitely accepting of TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA as a real band as opposed to a Christmas-related gimmick.

The title is pretty self-explanatory. This is a concept album about Beethoven’s last night, involving The Devil, muses and self-examination, as well as a 10^th Symphony that he had been working on. The whole idea might be a bit too over-the-top for some. This is definitely NOT a metal album, however that does not mean that it is not worthwhile. The style is typical of a Broadway-style rock opera.

On the bright-side the songs are generally well-written with a number of different singers playing the various characters including Jon Oliva himself as Mephistopheles. There are some great interpretations of various classical pieces, including the zenith, “Mephistopheles’ Return”, which has the first movement of Beethoven’s “Pathetique” Sonata as a foundation. Other Beethoven favorites show up, like his best-known work, the first movement of the 5^th Symphony as well as the first movement of his “Moonlight Sonata”.

The obvious downside for people like me and people that are probably reading this is that there are times where I wish the band would rock out more. There are too few solos and actual guitar riffs and I feel a lot of this band’s instrumental talents are wasted.

If one can get past the lack of heaviness and can accept the music for what it is (it took me a while, but I did it) then they are in for a treat, because this is a very-well written album with great music, good singing performances and an intriguing storyline. While I doubt they’ll ever top their debut, “Christmas Eve and Other Stories”, “Beethoven’s Last Night” is a solid album which is now thankfully more readily available for the fans that may have missed this the first time around.

P.S. Be sure to catch them on their upcoming European tour.