About this album
Where they were
Released in 2000, 'Beethoven's Last Night' was Trans-Siberian Orchestra's fourth studio album, following their commercial breakthrough with 'Christmas Eve and Other Stories' in 1996. This album marked a significant conceptual shift for the band, showcasing their ambition to merge storytelling with orchestral rock on a grand scale.
Why it matters
'Beethoven's Last Night' achieved commercial success, peaking at number 33 on the Billboard 200 chart and solidifying TSO's reputation for elaborate live performances. The album is notable for its innovative fusion of progressive rock and classical music, influencing subsequent rock operas and concept albums.
Essential tracks
- "What Good This Deafness" — This track encapsulates Beethoven's struggle with his deafness, blending emotive lyrics with powerful instrumentation that embodies the album's core themes.
- "Mephistopheles" — The character of Mephistopheles serves as a pivotal figure in this narrative, and this track highlights the album's darker undertones through heavy guitar riffs and haunting melodies.
- "The Dreams of Candlelight" — This song stands out for its poignant reflection on creativity and mortality, featuring lush orchestration that contrasts beautifully with the more aggressive tracks.
- "Who Is This Child" — This track introduces a new perspective within the story, exploring themes of legacy and lost potential, underscored by a haunting melody that resonates deeply.
Release Date
January 1, 2000
Artist Origin
United States
Tracklist
- 1 Overture 2:56
- 2 Midnight 2:10
- 3 Fate 1:14
- 4 What Good This Deafness 1:46
- 5 Mephistopheles 3:43
- 6 What Is Eternal 4:39
- 7 The Moment 2:47
- 8 Vienna 3:32
- 9 Mozart/Figaro 3:18
- 10 The Dreams of Candlelight 4:05
- 11 Requiem (The Fifth) 2:58
- 12 I’ll Keep Your Secrets 4:15
- 13 The Dark 4:23
- 14 Für Elise 0:41
- 15 After the Fall 4:34
- 16 A Last Illusion 5:26
- 17 This Is Who You Are 3:58
- 18 Beethoven 2:56
- 19 Mephistopheles’ Return 4:25
- 20 Misery 2:44
- 21 Who Is This Child 4:33
- 22 A Final Dream 1:56
