The Transiberian Orchestra visited The University of Akron last Tuesday with a performance of Beethoven’s Last Night at E.J. Thomas Hall.

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The Transiberian Orchestra visited The University of Akron last Tuesday with a performance of Beethoven’s Last Night at E.J. Thomas Hall.

The story follows the famous composer Ludwig Van Beethoven during his last night on Earth. He is visited by the devil Mephistopheles who has come to collect his soul. Mephistopheles offers Beethoven a deal: he will spare Beethoven’s soul if the composer gives him all of his musical compositions. Mephistopheles then gives Beethoven an hour to think it through.

Throughout the next hour, Beethoven reminisces on his life and tries to figure out what he could have done to deserve to have his soul taken from him. The audience sees various scenes of Beethoven’s life, including a visit from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Beethoven’s dear friend. There are also appearances by Beethoven’s former love, Theresa.

Mephistopheles returns in an hour and Beethoven refuses the offer; he does not want to take his masterpieces away from the world. The devil then simply asks for Beethoven to hand over his tenth symphony because no one has yet heard it.

In the end, the spirit Fate and her son Twist end up tricking the devil and Beethoven is able to keep his soul without giving up his music. His tenth symphony is then hidden and remains a mystery.

This show contains a great variety of Beethoven’s pieces as well as music from other composers. With the mixture of incredible instrumental talent, outstanding vocals, great dancing and a fantastic light show, the performance was without a doubt entertaining.

After Beethoven’s Last Night, the band played some selections from their new album Night Castle. Those who decided to stay after the show were able to go to the lobby and get autographs from the group.

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