After 2 relatively successful Christmas-themed albums, TSO- a side-project of members of Savatage, along with the producer of their 'rock opera' albums "Streets" and "Dead Winter Dead", Paul O'Neill- takes on a new direction with this story of Beethoven's last night on Earth.

After completing his 10th Symphony on what he suspects is his last night, Beethoven is confronted by Mephistopheles and given a choice- his soul, or his music. The album takes us along as the spirit Fate, and her son Twist, offer to assist Beethoven, taking him through his past, helping him to reachhis final decision.

If you are a fan of rock and classical music, musical theater and/or opera, this is a must hear. If you *aren't* typically a fan of musical theater, or have avoided rock operas, I encourage a listen to this album, because it is done right. The entire album is wrapped in the works and inspiration of Beethoven (and Mozart), with a rock/metal infusion and interpretation. The CD flows beautifully, carrying the story along well. The vocal talents are fantastic, featuring low-toned Jody Ashworth as Beethoven, Patti Russo (known for her work with Meatloaf) as Beethoven's love Theresa, Jamie Torcellini (whom you may know if you have Disney-fan children) as Twist, and Jon Oliva of Savatage asMephistopheles.

Highlights include "What Good This Deafness", expressing Beethoven's frustration and annoyance with the spirits speaking to him and the mischeivous Twist's reply, "Mephistopheles" with its stand out portrayal by Oliva, that introduces the mischeivously evil character and his proposal, "What Is Eternal", with Beethoven contemplating his choices, "Mephistopheles' Return" in which Beethoven is tortured by those choices, "Requiem (The Fifth)", an interesting rock-ifluenced interpretation of Beethoven's 5th Symphony, and "Misery" again featuring the fabulous Oliva as Mephistopheles making a new proposal to Beethoven.

This is not the kind of album you pick just a few songs from. It is meant, and beckons you, to listen from beginning to end, not skipping anything, which is what I find myself doing everytime I listen.

This review is credited to:
Tresa Crane