The roots of TSO are found in Savatage, a traditional heavy metal band that gradually progressed into a symphonic metal act. Savatage's rock operas, starting with STREETS, began the experimentation with what would become TSO culminating on the track "Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24)" from DEAD WINTER DEAD. This track was a minor hit for the struggling band, and demonstrated that there might be an audience for the symphonic metal approach to holiday themes.
The concept for a band playing Christmas carols in a rock opera style was not received warmly by the industry, but quickly proved a success with adults as well as young people. In the recording studio, Trans-Siberian Orchestra uses a full 60-piece orchestra and a choir.
As of 2004, their touring band included 14 vocalists, 14 musicians, and 2 narrators. Trans-Siberian Orchestra released their debut album Christmas Eve and Other Stories in 1996, and it remains their best-selling album. Their 1998 release The Christmas Attic was similarly a concept album with a Christmas theme. In 2000, they released their first non-Christmas album, Beethoven's Last Night. Beethoven's Last Night is a concept album about Ludwig van Beethoven's last night on earth, during which he meets Mephistopheles (possible Satan, or one of his underlings).
After a few years of touring, they returned to the studio with another full-length album, Lost Christmas Eve, and the accompanying DVD/3-CD release The Christmas Trilogy, which contained all three of their Christmas albums to date.
During their winter tours of 2005 and 2006, the band had announced that they were working on the new album, set to release later that year (this was said both years). During the summer of 2007, the official myspace for TSO stated that they were recording, with the expression 'inspired'. Finally, on October 27, 2007, the long awaited new album (and second non-Christmas) arrived "Night Castle". The album is another concept album, spanning 2 cd's, and is the telling of the story of a soldier's experience during the Killing Fields of the Khmer Rouge. As always, it's about faith, hope, fate and the inherent belief that there is good in all people. The album was received with mixed reviews, from the praise of the band's fans, to the near burning of albums by those that are less than receptive to the album. Along with the songs for the story, the album also includes 4 tracks that are not part of the story, and yes, it features the band's rendition of "Carmina Burana (O Fortuna)", performed as a preview by the band during their winter tours, as well as one cover of a Savatage song.
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Beethoven
Trans-Siberian Orchestra Lyrics
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(Once more back in 1827 Vienna, he tells Fate that he would not change a thing from his past and risk losing the music. The music is who he is, the reason for his existence. Also, having seen the influence of his music on so many lives, he knows that he could never give the music to Mephistopheles. Still, he does not wish to lose his soul. Desperately he ponders his dilemma.)
The instrumental portion of Trans-Siberian Orchestra's song Beethoven serves as an interlude between the vocal portions of the track, but it is still significant in its own right. The song as a whole is a tribute to the famous composer Ludwig van Beethoven and this instrumental section delves deeper into his thoughts and emotions. Set in 1827 Vienna, the piece musically portrays Beethoven's conversation with Fate. Beethoven tells Fate that he would not change anything from his past and that the music he has composed is who he is and the reason for his existence. He has seen firsthand the impact his music has had on countless lives and he knows that he could never part with it, even if it meant losing his soul. Still, he grapples with the dilemma of how to stay true to himself and his music without sacrificing his soul in the process. The instrumental section serves as a reflection of this inner turmoil, with its soaring melodies, haunting chords, and dramatic shifts in tempo and dynamics. Through the music, we can feel the weight of Beethoven's internal conflict and the profound importance of his music to him and the world as a whole.
Overall, Beethoven is a tribute not only to the composer himself but to the power of music as a force for good in the world. The instrumental section of the song serves as a reminder of the deep emotions and complex themes that underlie Beethoven's work, and of the incredible impact that his music has had on generations of listeners around the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Instrumental
There are no lyrics for this part of the song, it is simply instrumental music.
(Once more back in 1827 Vienna, he tells Fate that he would not change a thing from his past and risk losing the music.
The song's protagonist is transported back in time to 1827 Vienna, where he tells Fate that he wouldn't change anything about his past that might risk losing the music that is so important to him.
The music is who he is, the reason for his existence.
The singer believes that his music defines him and is his reason for living.
Also, having seen the influence of his music on so many lives, he knows that he could never give the music to Mephistopheles.
The artist has seen firsthand the positive impact his music has had on others and knows he could never give it up to the devilish character Mephistopheles.
Still, he does not wish to lose his soul.
Despite his dedication to his music, the artist is still concerned about the fate of his eternal soul.
Desperately he ponders his dilemma.
The singer is deeply troubled by his predicament and is trying to figure out what he should do next.
Contributed by Mila E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.