A Flawless Masterpiece
Written: Dec 10 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Music and story
Cons: too short
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| wolfman309's Full Review: Beethoven's Last Night by Trans-Siberian Orchestra |
Tommy.....The Who's classic rock opera, meets Andrew Lloyd Weber in this very interesting combination of musical styles that is the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. With this album, "Beethoven's Last Night," the worlds of rock and roll, Broadway and classical music combine to create a masterpiece, the likes of which have never been heard before.
The premise is that it is Beethoven's last night on Earth. He has finished his 10th symphony and now the devil himself comes to make a bargain. Mephistopheles does not want the 10th symphony released so he is willing to free Ludwig's soul in exchange for his latest work.
To Beethoven, his work means more to him than his soul. So there is little doubt as to what he would say to this deal, or is there? The devil can be very cunning, so don't rule him out yet!
I do not wish to give away too much of the story. This is a work where the enjoyment of listening to the superior quality music, is only enhanced by having a tale to follow also. So few pieces now-a-days have such depth, to find one is like finding that proverbial needle lost in the haystack. I will try and preserve that sense of wonder that you will feel on the first listen to this marvelous yarn.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra is the brainchild of Paul O'Neil. Mr. O'Neil is a producer that has worked with such greats as Aerosmith. He also was the guitarist for the Broadway productions of Jesus Christ Superstar and Hair. This band, is a combination of his backgrounds. A way to use his production and songwriting skills to create something new and unique.
To accomplish this feat, he enlisted members from the heavy metal band, Savatage to provide the backbone for the orchestra that provides the soul to this magnificent work. The combination of styles and sounds makes for a totally enthralling piece of music. There is little doubt in my mind that if Beethoven was alive today, he would approve of this piece immensely! The loud roar of the guitars only enhance the power of the composition.
When the album uses Beethoven's own works, it is done in a way that fits together seamlessly. The music seems to feed off the few times that Ludwig's own compositions are used to set the stage. It also brings a baroque feel to the work. It would be hard to do a suite like this without referencing his prior work. This is done with such grace and elegance it seems like O'Neil is showing reverence to some of the most stirring works ever created.
Then we have the actors/singers:
Jody Ashworth is the voice of Beethoven. His voice, although it may be the weakest link in this chain, provides an amazing amount of emotion and fire in this performance. Just listen to the raw power that he puts into the song "What Is Eternal." If this is the weakest link, then all you have to hear is this song to know that you are in for something truly special.
Patti Russo sings the part of Theresa. For this play/opera, Theresa is the eternal love of Beethoven. You might remember her strong vocals in the work she has done with Meatloaf. Her voice is one of the highlights on this album. Breathtaking range and spectacular projection, Patti proves to all that she is one of the strongest female vocalist on this planet!!
Jon Oliva from the group Savatage provides the voice of Mephistopheles. Here he has a very ominous and sarcastic delivery that fits the role very well. If Jon ever decides he has had enough of heavy metal, he has a second home on the Broadway stage.
These three leads, make for a most enjoyable album. I can easily see this work being adapted for the stage. It is that well done. I cannot find a weak spot anywhere on the album. It is a totally flawless example of what can be done by superior musicians and songwriters when given the chance to expand their horizons.
For this review, I have gone away from my normal style simply because this piece cannot be taken on a song by song basis. Each song is a furthering of the total work and as such I would have to give the whole story away to tell you how each song fits. So let me just hit some of the musical highlights.
The opening "Overture" is stunning in it's ability to set the tone for this work. The combination of the O'Neil original material interwoven with the works of Beethoven and Mozart gives the listener a sense of history. Like we are looking into the mind of Beethoven as he sits there on this stormy night that will prove to be his last on earth! A truly stirring beginning to a masterful work!
The first voice that you hear singing is that of Fate's son Twist. Sung by Jamie Torcellini, "Midnight" becomes the foundation of the story. Giving us the background and the setting for the story, his vocals will become the narrator in a off hand kind of way.
"What Is Eternal" is one of the really magical moments on the album. One of the most dramatic pieces on this disc, Beethoven comes alive thanks to the vocals of Jody Ashworth! Powerful music that will stir the soul like nothing else that you have heard recently.
In the song I'll Keep Your Secret" Patti Russo delivers some of the most amazing vocals that I have heard in a very, very long time. Her voice is magical. That is the only word that can properly describe it. It is a one of a kind delivery that leaves you breathless and in awe of the supreme talent of this lady.
Another truly amazing aspect of this album is the piano work of Robert Kinkel and Jon Oliva. These two combine to give the listener an example of how truly touching a piano can be when at the hands of a master. No other instrument will hit you like a magnificent piano work. Your mind, body and soul are all affected by the magnificence of these two.
I cannot tell you of another piece of music that I have purchased that has been continuously played like this one. It is a symphony onto itself. Each time I listen to this album, I hear another passage, another piano piece, another brilliant bit of orchestration, a guitar solo that I have previously missed. This is one of those unique chances where you can experience music to it's fullest. Whether you be a fan of rock and roll, classical, or Broadway theater, there is something for all.
Fans of Meatloaf, will hear the same powerful type of rock and roll, tinted with strains of Beethoven. Or Phantom of the Opera fans will hear what might be the next big Broadway spectacular. It is that good! I certainly look forward to the next offering from this group. Even though this one is going to be hard to top!!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
wolfman309
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Member: Scott Ward
Location: Mt Pleasant, MI
Reviews written: 255
Trusted by: 133 members
About Me:
Let the music do the talking!!!
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