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On a late night in the spring of 1827, the city of Vienna is experiencing the largestlightning storm in its long history. Within an opulent but disheveled room, Ludwig vonBeethoven is slumped over his piano and on the piano sits the just completed manuscriptfor his Tenth Symphony. It is his final, and he is certain, his greatest work.
From the shadows a beautiful spirit, Fate, and her deformed dwarf son, Twist, emerge to
inform Beethoven that this is to be his last night on earth. They are accompanied by numerous spirits and ghosts from his past, and he finds their babbling unbearable. Hebegs them to leave, but Twist tells him that as shadows they only exist by the light thatBeethoven's life has cast and that light is slowly dimming. With each successive crack of lightning the spirits all draw closer.
At the stroke of midnight, Mephistopheles suddenly appears and informs Beethoven that
he is there to collect the composer's soul. Beethoven, faced with eternal damnation, isterrified and claims that it cannot be his time, that he has yet to complete his TenthSymphony. Mephistopheles looks at the manuscript and then, with seemingly uncharacteristic generosity, offers to give him as much additional time as he needs as longas he will tell him now what parts he plans to add or change. His bluff called, Beethoven isforced to admit that he would not change a single note.
The Devil nods thoughtfully and then makes the composer another offer. If Beethoven will give him all his music, allowing Mephistopheles to wipe it from the memory of man,he will return his soul to him. Beethoven is overwhelmed by the situation. Fearing aneternity of damnation and torment he is desperate to reclaim his soul, but the thought of losing his music, his life's work, causes him to hesitate.
Mephistopheles, sensing his confusion, offers to leave for one hour before returning forBeethoven's answer. As the devil is turning to leave Beethoven notices that the hands of the clock are moving faster than normal. When he points this out to Mephistopheles, thedevil replies that the maestro should consider it a final favor because where Beethoven is
A SUMMARY OF THE STORY WITHIN
Beethoven’s Last Night
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Crushed by the dilemma he finds himself in, Beethoven tries to recall the particularactions in his life that have led to his damnation. In anger, he confronts Fate for havingdealt him such a cruel hand. Taken aback, she asks what he would have her change. Forcedto review his life, he discovers that the removal of what he considers the most painful
moments of his life would also remove the inspiration for what he considers his finest works. He also realizes that his music is who he is, the reason for his existence, and decidesthat he would rather suffer for eternity than have it destroyed. He cannot remove thismusic that he has seen bring so much joy to so many.
When Mephistopheles returns to find his offer refused, he quickly replaces it with another.If Beethoven will only give him the un-released Tenth Symphony (which no one else hasheard, so he reasons it will never be missed) he will return the maestro's soul. Beethovenagonizes once more and after conferring with the ghost of Mozart, again decides that he isunable to destroy his music.
In a final desperate attempt to obtain the Tenth Symphony, Mephistopheles points outthrough a window to a child sleeping in the gutter. He tells the old man that he,
Mephistopheles, owns this child's life and in great detail lists all the horrors and sufferingthat she will experience in her short existence. If Beethoven will release to him this finalmusical creation, then Mephistopheles will give up all claims on the child, irrevocably removing himself, and all his evil and unhappiness from the child's life.
Beethoven turns away from the sight of the little girl, determined to pronounce a firmand final no. But before the words can leave his mouth he finds himself once more looking
towards the child. He desperately tries to convince himself that she means nothing to him.Besides, she is not his responsibility and even if he does save her there are millions morelike her. This single life will make no difference while his symphony will bring joy tocountless generations.
Despite his best efforts he cannot bring himself to leave the child to this evil andcollapsing on the piano bench, he tells the devil that he has a deal.
Mephistopheles dances with delight as he picks up the manuscript never noticing Twist who sneaks over and whispers in Ludwig's ear, "How do you know that Mephistopheles will keep his word?" Beethoven sits up and repeats the question aloud. Mephistopheles,
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never looking up from examining his prize, replies that Beethoven can draw up his own wording for a contract that they will write on the back of a page torn from a bible.Beethoven glances questioningly towards Fate who is still watching from the background.She nods her head for even the shadows know that a contract written on such sacred paperis unbreakable, even by the devil himself.
Beethoven, totally exhausted, mutters his consent but is unable to write the words that will bring about the destruction of his beloved Tenth. Fate, seeing his dilemma, offers to write down the agreement for him and he hands the paper to her. As he stares out the window Fate writes,
It is agreed upon this night, March 26, 1827, between the undersigned, that the music of the Tenth Symphony, composed by Ludwig von Beethoven, first born son of Johann and Maria von Beethoven, in the city of Bonn, shall henceforth be the property of Mephistopheles, Lord of Darkness and first fallen from the grace of God. It is also understood that it is his intention to remove any signs of this music from the memory of man for all eternity. In exchange for the destruction of the aforementioned music it is also agreed that Mephistopheles and all his minions will remove themselves from the life of the child presently sleeping in the gutter directly
across from the window of this room. This removal of influence is to be commenced immediately upon signing and to be enforced for all eternity.
Mephistopheles reads the paper, signs it and pushes it in front of Beethoven. Withouteven looking at the document the composer signs the paper. Immediately, Mephistophelesreaches over the piano, seizes the Tenth's manuscript and thrusts it over a lit candle. It isengulfed in a wall of flames. But when the flames have died down the devil is stunned tofind that not only does the manuscript still exist, but it is not even singed. Thrusting itback over the candle it is once again engulfed in flames only to emerge unscathed.
Sensing that he has been tricked, he screams for an explanation but Beethoven'sexpression tells him that he is as shocked at the turn of events as the devil himself. AsMephistopheles is glancing once more at the manuscript he hears a giggling from thedarkness. There he sees Twist who is poorly concealing his delight.
Ludwig von Beethoven Mephistopheles
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"What are you laughing at you wretched troll?"
"The composer's parents gave birth to a son prior to the maestro's birth. They namedhim Ludwig von Beethoven but he died within the year. The man before you is Ludwig von Beethoven, second born of Johann & Maria. You have purchased a Tenth Symphony
of a Ludwig von Beethoven, first born of Johann & Maria, if he ever writes one."Mephistopheles glares at Fate, who smiles back at him demurely. Then, throwing themusic back at Beethoven, he screams in frustration and disappears in an explosion of smoke and flame.
Beethoven is surprised by Mephistopheles' rapid departure and asks if he is not comingback to collect his soul. To which Fate replies that he never had any claim to his soul.
"But Mephistopheles said..."
"He is the devil," Fate replies, "He lies." And with those words a warm feeling of peacespreads throughout Beethoven's body and across his soul.
When he asks Fate what is to happen next, she tells him that it is time for him to rest, fortonight he will dream a new dream within the gates of paradise. As the words weave their way into his soul, Beethoven lies down on the couch near his piano and begins a new dream.
With the departure of his soul the storm begins to break and a stillness settles over theroom as one by one the ghosts and shadows fade away. All seems at peace until the sudden
re-appearance of Twist returning through a window. He gazes about the room, a look of mischievous delight spread across his face. Scampering over to the piano, he takes themanuscript for the Tenth Symphony and then climbing up a bookcase, carefully slips itbehind a wall. Here it will remain hidden, the world blissfully unaware of its existence,until that one day in the future when it will be discovered and it will once more live again.
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LUDWIG VON BEETHOVEN The maestro himself on the last night of his life
FATE
The spirit of Fate.She is a young beautiful woman.
TWISTFate's hunchback dwarf son.
Mischievous but not malicious
MEPHISTOPHELES The devil himself.
Evil with a seductive charm and flair.
YOUNG BEETHOVEN The composer as a young man
MOZART-WOLFGANG AMADEUSHimself
THERESA The legendary, "Immortal Beloved."
The great love of his life.
YOUNG GIRL An orphan, approximately six-years-old
THE MUSESVoices of artistic inspiration
c h a r a c t e r s
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On a late night in the spring of 1827, thecity of Vienna is experiencing the largestlightning storm in its long history. Within anopulent but disheveled room, Ludwig vonBeethoven is slumped over his piano and on
the piano sits the just completed manuscriptfor his Tenth Symphony. It is his final, andhe is certain, his greatest work.
SINCE THE TIME WHEN RA AND ISISRAISED THE SPHINX OUT OF THESAND
AND APOLLO DREAMED ATHENA AND MEN BEGAN TO UNDERSTAND
THAT WHEN DARKNESS FOLDS ONDARKNESSIN THE RESTLESS TIDES OF NIGHT
AND LIGHTNING RAISES SHADOWS AND FOR MOMENTS GIVES THEMLIFE
IT'S BEEN SAID BY THOSE WHOPONDER THAT IT SURELY IS A SIGN
THAT A LIFE TOUCHED BY THESTARSIS NOW RUNNING OUT OF TIME
AND THAT SOMEWHERE IN THATDARKNESSIN THE HEART OF THAT GREAT
STORMTHE WORLD RETURNS A SOUL THAT THE GODS CAUSED TO BEBORN
AND THIS WAS SUCH A STORMTHE KIND ONE RARELY SEES IN LIFEFOR IN A ROOM NOW FILLED WITHSHADOWSTHE GREAT BEETHOVEN WAS
SPENDINGHIS LAST NIGHT
From the shadows a beautiful spirit, Fate,and her deformed dwarf son, Twist, emergeto inform Beethoven of what he has already deeply suspected, that this is to be his last
night on earth. They are accompanied by numerous spirits and ghosts from his past.
MIDNIGHT
( TWIST )
AND IN THE DARK HE SITS ALONETO WATCH HIS FINAL HOURSBLEEDING
WHILE UNCONCERNED UPON THE WALL THE CLOCK IT TICKS AWAY THETIME
NO NEED FOR WORDS FOR IN THEDARK
ALL WORDS HAVE LONG SINCE LOSTTHEIR MEANINGSTILL WHEN THEY WHISPER IN HISEAR HE TRIES TO READ BETWEEN THELINES
WHAT I SEE IN THE NIGHT
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WHAT I FEEL IN YOUR HEART ALL YOUR DREAMS ALL YOUR LIESCAN YOU TELL THEM APART
SEE THE HANDS ON THE CLOCK
ARE YOU WATCHING THEM TURNFOR YOUR CANDLE IS QUITE LOW
WE'VE BEEN WATCHING IT BURN
DO YOU LIE HERE AWAKE AS THE SHADOWS LOOK ONSHOULD THEY CRY FOR YOUR SAKE
SHOULD YOU SLEEP IN THEIR ARMS
FOR THE SHADOWS SEE ALL AND THEY RARELY FORGETEVERY DREAM THAT YOU'VE HADEVERY ACT YOU REGRET
FATE
( GHOSTS & SPIRITS )
FAITH AND BELIEF AND RETREAT
WHEN YOU'RE STANDING ALL ALONE WITH YOUR DREAMS IN THE DARK
NEVER KNOWING WHAT IS REAL IN THE SHADOWS YOU MEETNEVER KNOWING WHAT IS TRUEIN THE ANSWERS YOU SEEK NEVER KNOWING IF
FATE SHE HEARS ME
FATE STAND NEAR MEFATE STATE CLEARLY
WHETHER THERE WILL BE ANOTHER CARD
RETRIEVE USTIME DECEIVES USFAITH SHE HEARS USBUT SHE DOESN'T LISTEN VERY HARD
AS SHE DRIFTS THROUGH OUR LIVESTOSSING COINS INTO THE AIR
WATCH THEM TWIST WATCH THEM FALL TURNING HOPE INTO DESPAIR
WATCH THEM TWIST WATCH THEM FALL THEN SHE SUDDENLY REVIVESEVERY DREAM THAT WE'VE HAD
AND WE FIND OURSELVES ALIVE
BELIEVE MEFATE STANDS NEAR MEFATE STATE CLEARLY
WHETHER THERE WILL BE ANOTHER CARD
RECEIVE US
TIME DECEIVES USTHE ONLY MOMENT IN OUR LIVESTHAT EVER REALLY MATTERED FATEIS NOW
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With each successive crack of lightning thespirits move closer and eventually Beethovenfinds their distraction unbearable.
WHAT GOOD THIS DEAFNESS
( BEETHOVEN )
WHAT GOOD THIS DEAFNESSTHAT MY WHOLE LIFE I HAVEDREAD
WHAT GOOD THIS DEAFNESS
WITH THESE VOICES IN MY HEAD
WHAT GOOD THIS DEAFNESSIF THIS PRATTLE I MUST HEAR IF I WERE BLIND I'M SURE THEY
WOULDN'T DISAPPEAR
( TWIST )
DID YOU REALLY WANT TO BELIEVE WHAT YOU'RE SAYINGDID YOU REALLY WANT TO BE HERE
ALONEHAVE I INTERRUPTED A MOMENT
OF PRAYING WHILE YOUR LIFE'S DECAYING YOUR SINS ARE THEY WEIGHING WHILE YOU'VE BEEN CARVING YOUR STONE
ALL ON YOUR OWN
DID YOU REALLY WANT TO SIT HEREIN SILENCECOULD IT BE THAT BROODING ISPART OF YOUR ART
IS IT AN EXTENSION OF ARTISTICLICENSE
A MOODY DEFIANCEOF ALL OF LIFE'S TYRANTS
WHILE YOU'VE BEEN SEARCHING
YOUR HEART ALONE WITH US IN THE DARK
Beethoven implores the spirits to leave himalone, but Twist tells him that as shadowsthey only exist by the light that Beethoven's
life has cast and as that light is fading, it isonly natural that they should cling to its lastmoments of illumination. As the clock strikesmidnight their conversation is suddenly interrupted by the appearance of Mephistopheles. His presence causes all theother spirits to shrink silently back to the
corners of the room.
Mephistopheles informs Beethoven that hehas come to collect the composer's soul.Faced with eternal damnation, the terrifiedcomposer claims that it cannot be his time,that he has yet to complete his Tenth
Symphony. Mephistopheles looks at themanuscript and then with seemingly uncharacteristic generosity, offers to givehim as much additional time as he needs,but only if he will tell him what parts heplans to add or change. Beethoven is forcedto admit that it is his masterpiece and he
would not change a single note. His bluff called, Beethoven still cannot believe thatthis is how his life must end. Mephistophelesassures him that not only is it so, but his
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reaction is the nearly universal response fromevery man who is about to be condemned tohell. But he then tells Beethoven he is a very fortunate man, for he has decided to offerthe maestro something very rarely offered to
humans at the end of their time, a secondchance, a possible way out of his mostunfortunate dilemma.
MEPHISTOPHELES
( MEPHISTOPHELES )
ALL OF YOUR LIFE NOW YOU HAVE DENIEDTHERE'D BE A TIME
WHEN YOU'D EVER DIESTILL IT'S BEEN RUMORED THISTHING MUST BE
WHY IS IT THEN THAT YOU ACTSURPRISED
WHEN I APPEAR NOW TO BE YOUR GUIDE
WHY DO YOU HESITATE TO FOLLOW ME
SEE IT RISINGSTARE AND WONDER HEAR IT BECKON
YOU TO DANCE
FEEL IT HOLD YOUTAKE YOU UNDER I'M YOUR GOD OF SECOND CHANCE
AND NOW YOU CLAIM YOU ARE NOT
PREPAREDSO MUCH TO DO YOU CANNOT BESPAREDSTILL YOUR ENTREATIES DEATH
WILL NOT HEAR
THE GRAVEYARD IS FILLED WITHIMPORTANT MEN
WHO COULD NOT BE SPARED BUT WERE IN THE END AND SO I WHISPER NOW IN YOUR EAR
SEE IT RISINGSTARE AND WONDER HEAR IT BECKON
YOU TO DANCE
FEEL IT HOLD YOU
TAKE YOU UNDER I'M YOUR GOD OF SECOND CHANCE
DOMINEDOMINEDOMINEDOMINE
O DOMINEO DOMINEO DOMINEO DOMINE
The Devil then makes the composer an offer.If Beethoven will give him all his music,allowing Mephistopheles to wipe it from thememory of man, he will return his soul tohim. Beethoven is overwhelmed by thesituation. Fearing an eternity of damnation
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and torment he is desperate to reclaim hissoul, but the thought of losing his music, hislife's work, causes him to hesitate.
Mephistopheles, sensing his confusion, offers
to leave for one hour before returning forBeethoven's answer. As the devil is turningto go, Beethoven notices that the hands of the clock are now turning faster than isnormal. When he points this out toMephistopheles, the devil replies that themaestro should consider it a final favor
because where Beethoven is going, they never turn at all.
As the spirits cautiously re-emerge from thecorners of the room, Beethoven agonizesover his decision.
WHAT IS ETERNAL
( BEETHOVEN )
AND HERE IN THE NIGHT AS I FEEL THE INFERNOI STARE IN THE DARK
THINKING WHAT IS ETERNAL
THE MAN OR THE MOMENTTHE ACT OR THE REASONTHESE THOUGHTS FILL MY HEAD
AS I CONTEMPLATE TREASON
OF DREAMS I HAVE HAD AND DREAMS I HAVE PONDERED WHEN LATE IN THE NIGHTMY MIND IT WOULD WANDER
TO THINGS I HAVE DONE AND THEN QUICKLY REGRETTED WHILE DENYING VICESMY LIFE HAD SELECTED
AND I THINK WHAT I'VE DONEOR HAVE YET TO BEGIN AND THE MAN I'VE BECOME AND THE MAN THAT I'VE BEEN
NOW CAUGHT IN A WALTZ WITH THE ETERNAL DANCER
I'M COURTED BY DEATHBUT DEATH ISN'T THE ANSWER I SAY
ALL I WASMEANT TO BECOULD I
SUDDENLY JUST DECIDENOT A THOUGHT
WOULD SURVIVECOULD IT BEMY LIFE'S WORTHENDED THERE
WITH MY BIRTH
IF I COULD SEE SOMEONE WHO'S BEEN THERE BEFORE ME AND TRADED HIS SOUL FOR A MOMENT OF GLORY
HIS PENANCE OR MERCY BY SPIRITS DEBATED
WHILE JUDGED ON A SCALETHAT'S BEEN HEAVILY WEIGHTED
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AND WHAT HAVE I DONECOULD THERE BE SUCH A SININ THIS MAN I'VE BECOMEIN THIS MAN THAT I'VE BEEN
NOW CALLING TO GODFROM THE PIT'S VERY BOTTOMI PRAY HE FORGIVESEVERY SIN I'VE FORGOTTENTHIS DAY
AND WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHTTHAT MY FATE IT WOULD CONJURETHIS TWIST IN THE ROADON WHICH I HAVE WANDERED
EACH VISION AND DREAM NOW COMPLETELY DISMEMBERED
TO GIVE ONE'S WHOLE LIFE AND FIND NOTHING'SREMEMBERED
AND WHAT GOOD IS A LIFETHAT LEAVES NOTHING BEHINDNOT A THOUGHT OR A DREAM
THAT MIGHT ECHO IN TIME
THE YEARS AND THE HOURSTHE SECONDS AND MINUTES
AND EVERYTHING THATMY LIFE HAS PLACED IN ITBETRAYED
BETRAYEDBETRAYED
THE THINGS I HAVE DONE
THE PLACES I'VE BEENTHE COST OF MY DREAMSTHE WEIGHT OF MY SINS
AND EVERYTHING THAT
I'VE GATHERED IN LIFECOULD IT BE LOSTCOULD IT BE LOST IN THISCOULD IT BE LOST IN THISNIGHT
Crushed by the dilemma he finds himself in
and unable to reach a decision, Beethoventries to recall the particular actions in his lifethat have led to his damnation. In anger, heconfronts Fate for having dealt him such acruel hand in life. Taken aback by hisaccusations, she offers to review his life withhim and to change anything that he wishes
to change.
Delighted with this unexpected proposition,Beethoven accepts. When she asks where he
would like to start, Beethoven says the firstthing he would change is his childhood. Fatetakes him back through time where he finds
himself as a young child sitting at a piano.He has just been cruelly slapped by a tutorfor having failed to receive an appointmentto the Emperor's court. His tutor is tryingto create a new child wonder, similar toMozart, but unlike Mozart, Beethoven is anawkward and gangly youth. Now, sitting
alone at the piano, he is trying to consolehimself by playing a melody that he findssoothing. Beethoven recognizes the melody as the future Sixth Symphony and sitting
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down next to the child completes the tune.The child smiles at this kindly adult and afterthey talk for awhile, asks if they might meetagain and finish the song. Beethovenreassures the child that one day that just
might possibly happen.
THE MOMENT
( BEETHOVEN )
IN THIS WORLD OF CIRCUMSTANCE
CHILDREN NEVER FEAR FOREVER AND THIS MOMENT THATENCHANTSSOMEDAY WE MAY BOTH REMEMBER
THENMAYBE THEN
IF WE ARE STILL ALIVETHENMAYBE THENTHIS MOMENT WILL SURVIVE
THERE IS TIME IN EVERY WORDTHERE ARE WORDS IN EVERY
REASON AND THESE NOTES THAT AREUNHEARDONE DAY THEY MAY FIND THEIR SEASON
THEN
MAYBE THENIF WE ARE STILL ALIVETHENMAYBE THEN
THIS MOMENT WILL SURVIVE
THENMAYBE THENIF WE ARE STILL ALIVE
THENMAYBE THENTHIS MOMENT WILL SURVIVE
Beethoven turns to Fate and tells her, "I didnot need this childhood. I did not need my mother to die when I was five. I did not
need an alcoholic father or this sadisticteacher. I did not need such pain as a child.This! Remove all of this from my life."
Fate tells him that it will all be as he wishesbut before she grants his request he shouldbe aware that when she removes the pains of
his childhood he will also lose the inspirationthat led to the Sixth Symphony. When faced
with this choice, Beethoven realizes that heis not willing to lose the Sixth Symphony and withdraws his request.
Fate then says, "Surely there were happy
times, magical moments?"
Beethoven replies, "There were some."
"Like the first time you arrived in Vienna?"
"Like the first time I arrived in Vienna."
Within seconds they are there, witnessing arhapsodizing Beethoven as a young manseeing Vienna for the first time.
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VIENNA
( YOUNG BEETHOVEN )
SINCE I WAS A CHILD
I'VE SEEN HER IN A DREAM A CAPTURED FAIRY TALETHAT ECHOES CROSS MY LIFE
AND THOUGH I'VE COURTED HER SHE'S ALWAYS STAYED UNSEENNOW ALL AT ONCE SHE
GLITTERS IN THE NIGHT
BUT THAT WAS YESTERDAY AND THAT ALL WAS BEFORE WHEN SHE WAS FAR AWAY A SILHOUETTE OF DREAMS
BUT OTHERS WHISPEREDTHAT SHE WAS SO MUCH MORE
AND SUDDENLY I NOW KNOW WHAT THEY MEAN
DREAMS CHANGE YEARS STRAIN
LOST ILLUSIONSLAST STANDSGOD'S HAND
ABSOLUTIONFOUND
FAIRY TALE SINS
VISIONS BY GRIMM ALL FORGIVENLIVES SPENT IN VAINNEVER RECLAIMED
TAKE THEIR FINAL BOWS
PICTURES AND WORDS VISIONS ABSURDMADDENED POETS
ALL WITHIN SIGHTFAILURES IN LIFE WHO'LL NEVER KNOW ITLAZARUS CRIESTHERE IN HIS EYESHOPE HAS RISENDEPTH AND FACADE
ALL BEFORE ME NOW
Together Fate and Beethoven watch thecomposer as a young man meeting hisgreatest idol, Mozart.
MOZART
( INSTRUMENTAL )
Fate then reminds him of Theresa, his firstand greatest love. Together they witness the
young couple's first night of courtshp. Young Beethoven is already being called the
greatest piano player who has ever lived andTheresa is a Princess in the HapsburgEmpire. They are both deeply in love.
THE DREAMS OF CANDLELIGHT
( THERESA )
COULD THIS NIGHT IT LASTFOREVER EVERY MOMENT HELD TOGETHER
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AS IF IN A PERFECT TRANCE AND SUCH A THING COULD BE
NO ONE ELSE WOULD UNDERSTANDIT
WE WOULD KNOW THE GODS HADPLANNED IT AND FOR SUCH A NIGHT AS THISTHAT THEY GAVE MEMORY
AND WE WOULD LIVE INSIDE THISNIGHT
WITHIN THE DREAMS OFCANDLELIGHTIF YOU WOULD BRING THIS WISHTO LIFE
AND SPEND THIS NIGHT WITH ME
COULD THIS MOMENT LAST
FOREVER AND THIS DREAM OUR ONEENDEAVOR IF THE STARS WOULD JUSTENCHANT
AND TIME WOULD THEN AGREE
EVERY MOMENT OF TOMORROW FROM THIS EVENING WE WOULDBORROW IF THIS WISH THE STARS
WOULD GRANT AND GENTLY OVERSEE
AND WE WOULD LIVEINSIDE THIS NIGHT
WITHIN THE DREAMS OFCANDLELIGHT
IF YOU WOULD BRING THIS WISH TOLIFE
AND SPEND THIS NIGHT WITH ME
Beethoven tells Fate that this was the
happiest moment of his life. When she asks why did it have to end he replies, "Because ithad to. "
Fate again inquires, "Why?"
"No woman wants to spend her life with a
deaf musician, let alone a lady of such highstation and beauty."
Fate takes them to Beethoven's parlor in1801. There they see the composer slumpedover the piano. He is going deaf and herealizes that it is irreversible. As far as he is
concerned, his life is over.
REQUIEM (THE FIFTH)
VOCA ME BENDICTUM!SANA MEAM ANIMAM!
VOCA ME BENDICTUM!SANA MEAM ANIMAM!
Beethoven believes that if Theresa were tohave discovered that he was becoming deaf she would most certainly have left him.Before this could happen, he ended their
relationship, refusing to ever see her again.
Fate takes him outside of his town house where Theresa is watching him through the
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window. She can see him slumped over thepiano. She does not understand why he hasdriven her out of his life. She knows thatsomething is terribly wrong but has no idea
what it is. Nothing that he could tell her
would affect her love for him, but Beethovencannot believe this.
I'LL KEEP YOUR SECRETS
( THERESA )
LOST IN YOUR DARK I SEE YOU THERE
WHAT DO YOU SEE BEYOND YOUR STARE
AND YOU BELIEVE THAT NO ONEELSE CAN KNOW
WHAT IS THIS THING YOU KEEPINSIDEOUT OF THE LIGHT AND WRAPPEDIN PRIDE
ALWAYS AFRAID THAT ONE DAY IT WILL SHOW
I'LL KEEP YOUR SECRETSI'LL HOLD YOUR GROUND
AND WHEN THE DARKNESS STARTSTO FALL I'LL BE AROUND THERE WAITING
WHEN DREAMS ARE FADING AND FRIENDS ARE DISTANT AND
FEW
KNOW AT THAT MOMENT I'LL BETHERE WITH YOU
WHAT ARE THESE VOICESTHAT YOU HEAR
ARE THEY TOO FAR OR FAR TOO NEAR
WHAT ARE THESE THINGS THAT
ECHO FROM THE PAST
WHO ARE THESE GHOSTS YOU SEE AT NIGHTTHERE IN THE SHADOWSOF YOUR LIFETHEY ONLY LIVE BY THE LIGHT
YOU CAST
I'LL KEEP YOUR SECRETSI'LL HOLD YOUR GROUND
AND WHEN THE DARKNESSSTARTS TO FALL I'LL BE AROUND THERE WAITING
WHEN DREAMS ARE FADING AND FRIENDS ARE DISTANT AND FEW
KNOW AT THAT MOMENT I'LL BETHERE WITH YOU
I'LL BE AROUND WHEN THERE'S NO REASON LEFTTO CARRY ON
AND EVERY DREAM YOU'VE EVER HAD IS GONE
AND THE DARK IS DEEP AND BLACK WITHOUT A SOUND
AND EVERY STAR HAS BEENDRAGGED TO THE GROUNDKNOW AT THAT MOMENTI WILL BE AROUND
KNOW AT THAT MOMENT STILL THE FATES ARE WEAVING
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KNOW AT THAT MOMENTI WILL BE AROUND
Beethoven says to Fate that it is now clear tohim that it was his deafness that was the
cause of all his unhappiness. "Remove thisinfirmity and my whole life will turn outright. If I had not gone deaf I would stillhave been able to perform live and Theresaand I would have had a life together."
Fate assures him that it can be done but
once again feels she must warn him of theconsequences. She points out that before hisdeafness his career was more concentratedon live performance than on composing.The Muses of music had always beenspeaking to him but it was only after hebecame deaf that he could clearly hear their
voices. "Your live performances werebrilliant but they lasted but a moment, while
your compositions will echo forever."
She then shows Beethoven himself slippingdeeper and deeper into his pit of total
silence, but all the while the Muses continueto whisper in his ear.
THE DARK
( THE MUSES )
FEEL THE DARKNESS SMILINGEVERY NOTE IS DYINGSILENCE IS REFININGEVERY THOUGHT IN HIS HEART
STILL THE FATES ARE WEAVINGEVERY NOTE THAT'S BLEEDING
AS HE SITS THERE SEETHING ALL ALONE IN THE DARK ALONE IN THE DARK
ALONE IN THE DARK.
BUT IN THE NIGHTTHE DARKNESS BREATHESIF HE WILLS IT TO BE
BEFORE HIS EYES
THE MUSIC DIESBUT HE WILL ALWAYS HEAR ME
HE SITS ALONETHE CARDS ARE SHOWN
AS HE EMBRACES THE DARK
THE ONLY SOUNDTHAT HE WILL HEAR IS THERE IN HIS HEART
SOMEONE IS WHISPERINGSOFTLY TO MESHADOWS OF THINGS
THAT NO ONE CAN SEETHEY ARE THERE FOR YOU IF YOU
WANT THEM TO BE YOU WANT THEM TO BE YOU WANT THEM TO....
BUT IN THE NIGHT
THE DARKNESS BREATHESIF HE WILLS IT TO BE
BEFORE HIS EYES
THE MUSIC DIES TIME NEVER CARES
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THE MUSIC DIESBUT HE WILL ALWAYS HEAR ME
HE SITS ALONETHE CARDS ARE SHOWN
AS HE EMBRACES THE DARK
THE ONLY SOUNDTHAT HE WILL HEAR IS THERE IN HIS HEART
FÜR ELISE
( INSTRUMENTAL )
Beethoven once more relents when herealizes what he would lose. Fate then takeshim to an alley outside a neighborhoodtavern. It is years later and both Beethoven
and Theresa are considerably older. Neitherone of them has ever married. By purechance Theresa sees Beethoven leaving a barlate at night but she does not make herpresence known to him. From a distance sheponders what might have been.
AFTER THE FALL
( THERESA )
TIMEONLY TIMECOULD NEVER TAKE ME
AWAY FROM YOU
AND WHY SHOULD IT TRY
TIME NEVER CARESJUST WHAT WE DO
IT JUST SITS ON A STAR AND GAZES DOWN
DROPPING ITS MOMENTS ALL AROUND AND IF I COULD WISH UPON THATSTAR I WOULD FIND WHAT YOU DREAM
AND THEN ASK GOD TO GRANT IT
I WANTEDTO SAY THISLONG BEFORE THIS DARK
WOULD FALL AT NIGHT I WOULD PRAY THISTHEN WONDER IF GOD HEARD
AT ALL FOR THE CHANCES I'VE HAD ARENOW LONG GONE
AND THAT STAR IS NO LONGER WISHED UPONFOR ON THIS NIGHT IT SEEMS TOOFAR AWAY
TRY I HAVE TRIEDTO PRETEND THAT I DON'T CAREBUT THENSLEEP ARRIVES
AND IN EVERY DREAM I FIND YOU
THERE
BUT I DON'T WANT THE PAST TO BEMY LIFE
AND I DON'T WANT TO LIVE INSIDE B th l l th t Th
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AND I DON'T WANT TO LIVE INSIDETHE NIGHTBUT I DON'T WANT TO SEE YOUR SHADOW FADESO I SLEEP AND I DREAM
THOUGH I DON'T UNDERSTAND IT
I WANTEDTO SAY THISLONG BEFORE THIS DARK WOULDFALL
AT NIGHT I
WOULD PRAY THISTHEN WONDER IF GOD HEARD AT
ALL FOR THE CHANCES I'VE HAD ARENOW LONG GONE
AND THAT STAR IS NO LONGER WISHED UPONFOR ON THIS NIGHT IT SEEMS TOOFAR AWAY
YOU CAN LIVE YOUR LIFE IN A THOUSAND WAYSBUT IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THAT
SINGLE DAY WHEN YOU REALIZE WHAT YOUREGRET
WHAT YOU CAN'T RECLAIM BUT YOU CAN'T FORGETIF I COULD JUST FALL BACK INTOMY LIFE
AND FIND YOU THEREINSIDE THIS NIGHT
AND LET ETERNITY JUST DRIFT AWAY
Beethoven can now clearly see that Theresanever would have cared about his deafnessand is crushed as he realizes what might havebeen. To ease the pain of his regret, Fatethen shows him glimpses of the future and
the countless musicians who will be inspiredby, and build upon the legacy of his music.She then allows him a final vision; a vision in
which he improvises with musicians from thepast by whom he was inspired, as well asmusicians from the future, who will beinspired by him.
A LAST ILLUSION
( GHOSTS )
PRIUSQUAM PRAESENSDAMNATUS SALVENS:
HIC HOMO NESCIENS.QUAE FUTURA EST?
EST PLANE VANUM?MAGNIFICANDUM?ERROR AUT SANUM?O FORTUNA EST!
QUA?
THE PAST AND PRESENTLOSS AND REDEMPTION
A MAN'S INTENTIONS ALL THINGS YET TO BE
A LAST ILLUSIONTIME'S ABSOLUTIONFACT AND CONFUSIONFATE AND DESTINY BOUND
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Crushed by the dilemma he finds himself in, Beethoven tries to recall the particularactions in his life that have led to his damnation. In anger, he confronts Fate for havingdealt him such a cruel hand. Taken aback, she asks what he would have her change. Forcedto review his life, he discovers that the removal of what he considers the most painful
moments of his life would also remove the inspiration for what he considers his finest works. He also realizes that his music is who he is, the reason for his existence, and decidesthat he would rather suffer for eternity than have it destroyed. He cannot remove thismusic that he has seen bring so much joy to so many.
When Mephistopheles returns to find his offer refused, he quickly replaces it with another.If Beethoven will only give him the un-released Tenth Symphony (which no one else has
heard, so he reasons it will never be missed) he will return the maestro's soul. Beethovenagonizes once more and after conferring with the ghost of Mozart, again decides that he isunable to destroy his music.
In a final desperate attempt to obtain the Tenth Symphony, Mephistopheles points outthrough a window to a child sleeping in the gutter. He tells the old man that he,Mephistopheles, owns this child's life and in great detail lists all the horrors and sufferingthat she will experience in her short existence. If Beethoven will release to him this finalmusical creation, then Mephistopheles will give up all claims on the child, irrevocably removing himself, and all his evil and unhappiness from the child's life.
Beethoven turns away from the sight of the little girl, determined to pronounce a firmand final no. But before the words can leave his mouth he finds himself once more looking
towards the child. He desperately tries to convince himself that she means nothing to him.Besides, she is not his responsibility and even if he does save her there are millions morelike her. This single life will make no difference while his symphony will bring joy tocountless generations.
Despite his best efforts he can not bring himself to leave the child to this evil andcollapsing on the piano bench, he tells the devil that he has a deal.
Mephistopheles dances with delight as he picks up the manuscript never noticing Twist who sneaks over and whispers in Ludwig's ear, "How do you know that Mephistopheles will keep his word?" Beethoven sits up and repeats the question aloud. Mephistopheles,
DOWN Fate that he would not change a
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DOWNIT'S THE DREAM THAT SOMEONESHARED
WHEN YOU THOUGHT THAT ALL WAS LOST
IT'S THE FRIEND THAT WASN'TTHERE
YOU CAN RUN FROM ALL THEMEMORY BUT NEVER GET THAT FAR FOR IN THE END THEY'LL FIND YOU
FOR THIS IS WHO YOU ARE
CHANGE ONE NOTECHANGE ONE LINENOTHING'S GOING TO BE THE SAMECHANGE ONE LOSSCHANGE ONE CUT
EVERYTHING IS RE-ARRANGED
EVERY ACTCRUEL OR KINDLOST INSIDE OUR MEMORY IF YOU LOOK THERE IN TIME
YOU'LL FIND IT INFIND IT INFIND IT IN
YOU'LL FIND IT IN ME
BEETHOVEN
(INSTRUMENTAL)
Once more back in 1827 Vienna, he tells
Fate that he would not change athing from his past and risk losing the music.The music is who he is, the reason for hisexistence. Also, having seen the influence of his music on so many lives, he knows that he
could never give the music toMephistopheles. Still, he does not wish tolose his soul. Desperately he ponders hisdilemma.
MEPHISTOPHELES' RETURN
( BEETHOVEN )
IN EVERY LIFEIT HAS BEEN SAIDTHERE COMES A TIMETO JOIN THE DEAD
ADMIT THERE IS NO SECOND
CHANCE AND JOIN DEATH IN A FINAL DANCE
ACROSS THE FLOOR ETERNITY UNTIL THE FINAL MOMENT'S BLED
AND IN THE DARK TO TAKE HISHAND
ACCEPT THAT IT IS TIME TO WED
I DON'T KNOW WHAT I'M THINKINGBECAUSE ALL THAT I SEEIS HIS FACE GRINNINGMEPHISTOPHELES
I NEED TO FIND AN ANSWER FOR THIS ONE CANNOT BE
WITHIN THE WORDS OF
MEPHISTOPHEL
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MEPHISTOPHEL...
(TOWARDS TWIST )
TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK
TELL ME WHAT YOU KNOW DID YOU REALLY THINK THAT THERE WOULD BE AN EVER
AFTER
DO YOU THINK I'M SCAREDTELL ME DOES IT SHOW
WHEN INSIDE THIS DEAFNESSI CAN ALWAYS HEAR HIS WHISPERING
( TOWARDS GHOSTS )
THERE COMES A TIME YOU DECIDE
WHAT FROM YOUR LIFE WILL BE REAL WHAT SCARS YOU WILL KEEP ALIVE WHAT YOU ARE WILLING TO HEAL
BUT CAN I GAMBLE THIS NIGHT WITH EVERYTHING THAT I AM
AND CAN I ERASE MY LIFEOR DO I STAY HERE AND BEDAMNED
( TOWARDS TWIST )
TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK
TELL ME WHAT YOU KNOW DID YOU REALLY THINK THAT THERE WOULD BE AN EVER
AFTER
DO YOU THINK I'M SCAREDTELL ME DOES IT SHOW
WHEN INSIDE THIS DEAFNESSI CAN ALWAYS HEAR HIS LAUGHTER
I DON'T KNOW WHAT I'M THINKINGBECAUSE ALL THAT I SEEIS HIS FACE GRINNINGMEPHISTOPHELES
I NEED TO FIND AN ANSWER
FOR THIS ONE CANNOT BE WITHIN THE WORDS OFMEPHISTOPHELES
I
DON'T NEED THIS PATH BEFORE ME
DON'T NEED FORGOTTEN GLORY DON'T NEED THESE THREATSOF VIOLENCEDON'T NEED ETERNAL SILENCE
DON'T NEED THESE MIDNIGHT VISIONS
DON'T NEED TO MAKE DECISIONSDON'T NEED TO BE UNCERTAINDON'T NEED THIS FINAL CURTAIN
II
SOMEWHERE OUT THERE
HE STILL GAZES AS I WANDER THROUGH HIS MAZES
DEATH AND LIFE HERE
TRUTH OR LIES DID YOU REALLY THINK
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TRUTH OR LIESEVERY THOUGHT IS WELL DISGUISED
III
NOW IT IS TOO LATETHIS PATH TO TAKEDON'T WANT TO LOSE MY LIFE THIS
WAY
MEDUSA DREAMSTHE DEAD STILL SCREAMDON'T WANT TO SEE MY LIFEBETRAYED
IV
ALL THESE THINGS ARE NOW BEFORE MEENDLESS DEATH OR TIMELESSGLORY ON THIS NIGHT OF GHOSTSRETURNINGTO THE LIGHT OF BRIDGES
BURNING
NOW IT IS TOO LATETHIS PATH TO TAKEDON'T WANT TO SEE MY LIFE BE...( TRAYED )
( TOWARDS TWIST )
TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK TELL ME WHAT YOU KNOW
DID YOU REALLY THINK THAT THERE WOULD BE ANEVER AFTER
DO YOU THINK I'M SCARED
TELL ME DOES IT SHOW WHEN INSIDE THIS DEAFNESSI CAN ALWAYS HEAR HIS LAUGHTER
I DON'T KNOW WHAT I'M THINKINGBECAUSE ALL THAT I SEEIS HIS FACE GRINNING
MEPHISTOPHELES
I NEED TO FIND AN ANSWER FOR THIS ONE CANNOT BE
WITHIN THE WORDS OFMEPHISTOPHELES
THE COST OF PATIENCE WHEN THERE'S NO TIME BEFORE MEOF HESITATION
ALL FOR THIS TWISTED GLORY
AND MY SALVATIONTHE COST OF HOW IT'S GOTTEN
THE COST OF WHAT'S GAINED ALL FORGOTTEN ALL FORGOTTEN
When Mephistopheles returns to find hisoffer refused, he quickly replaces it withanother. If Beethoven will only give him the
unreleased Tenth Symphony ( which no oneelse has heard, so he reasons it will never bemissed ) he will return the maestro's soul.Beethoven agonizes once more. The ghost
of Mozart appears and tells him that it is the SHE'LL FEEL THE PAIN BUT SHE
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ppgreatest musical piece ever created; it is the
voice of God and he cannot allow it to bedestroyed. As the apparition of Mozartfades, he once again decides that he is unable
to destroy this music.In a final desperate attempt to obtain theTenth Symphony, Mephistopheles points outthrough a window to a child sleeping in thegutter. He tells the old man that he ownsthis child's life and in great detail lists all thehorrors and suffering that she will experiencein her short existence.
MISERY
( MEPHISTOPHELES )
THERE IS A CHILD AND SHE SLEEPSIN THE GUTTER DON'T CLOSE YOUR EYES AND SHE'SEASY TO SEESHE IS NOT YOUR CHILDSHE'S ALWAYS ANOTHER'S
AND THOSE YOU ABANDONTHEY ARE LEFT TO ME
AND KNOW I WILL IMPALE HER LIKE A KNIFELEAVE HER TWISTING DAY AFTER DAY AFTER DAY OF A VERY SHORTLIFE WITH ME
LISTEN NOW CLOSELY AND HEAR HOW I'VE PLANNED ITPLEASE LET ME TELL YOU JUST HOW
WON'T UNDERSTAND ITSHE'LL THINK IT'S HER FATEBUT WE'LL KNOW IT'S ME
AND KNOW I WILL IMPALE HER LIKE A KNIFELEAVE HER TWISTING DAY AFTER DAY AFTER DAY OF A VERY SHORTLIFE
WITH ME
SO LET ME KNOW HAVE I BEEN CLEAR THAT I WILL MAGNIFY EACH CUT
AND EVERY BRUISE AND EVERY SINGLE CHILDHOODTEAR
I'LL PICK HER SCABSCRIPPLE A HANDPUSH A FINGER IN EACH WOUND IMAKENOW TELL ME THENDO YOU UNDERSTAND
YOU UNDERSTAND?
YOU UNDERSTAND YOU UNDERSTAND? YOU UNDERSTAND
AND KNOW I WILL IMPALE HER LIKE A KNIFELEAVE HER TWISTING DAY AFTER
DAY AFTER DAY OF A VERY SHORTLIFE
WITH ME
If Beethoven will release to him this final AND THE QUESTION
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musical creation, then Mephistopheles willgive up all claims on the child, irrevocably removing himself and all his evil underlingsfrom the child's life for all eternity.
Beethoven immediately turns away,determined to give a firm and final no.But before the word can leave his lips hefinds himself looking back out the window.He tries to convince himself that the childmeans nothing to him, especially when
compared to the Tenth Symphony. But withevery word disclaiming her, she digs deeperand deeper into his soul.
WHO IS THIS CHILD
( BEETHOVEN )
WHO IS THIS CHILDTHAT I'VE NEVER SEEN BEFORE
WHO IS THIS CHILDTHAT I'VE NOT SEEN TILL THIS DAY
WHO DARES TO FALL ASLEEP
OUTSIDE MY DOOR IF WE SHOULD WAIT AWHILEI'M SURE SHE'LL GO AWAY
TO BE INVOLVED WITH THIS WOULD SURELY NOT BE WISEFOR IN THE FINAL WORD
SHE MEANS NOTHING TO ME
I LEARNED THE TRICK ISTHAT WE JUST AVOID HER EYES
Q WHAT SHE MEANS TO ...
WHAT IS THIS LIFETHERE WILL BE OTHER LIVES
SOON TO ARRIVESURELY SOME WILL SURVIVESHE IS BUT ONE
AND THERE ARE MANY MOREEACH THE SAME AS ANY OTHER
WHO IS THIS CHILD
WHAT DOES SHE MEAN TO MEI CLOSE MY EYES AND STILL HER FACE I SEESHE IS BUT ONEHER KIND IS EVERYWHERECAN'T YOU SEE THERE'S NO WAY ISHOULD CARE
I NEED A MOMENT NOW I HAVE TO CLEAR MY MINDTHERE IS A LIMIT LORDJUST TO BEING KIND
THERE IS NO WAY IN LIFE
THAT EACH CHILD CAN BE SAVEDSHOULD I BE LOOKING WITHREGRET
AT EVERY GRAVE
THERE ARE NO GUARANTEESIN LIFE SHE SHOULD BE WARNED
I'M NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS CHILD BEING BORN
I'M NOT RESPONSIBLE
IN ANY KIND OF WAY INSANITY
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FOR EVERY CHILD THAT LIFE CANGATHER
WHAT IS THIS LIFE
THERE WILL BE OTHER LIVESSOON TO ARRIVESURELY SOME WILL SURVIVE
SHE IS BUT ONE AND THERE ARE MANY MORECOULD THIS ONE LIFE REALLY
MATTER
WHO IS THIS CHILD WHAT DOES SHE MEAN TO MEI CLOSE MY EYES
AND STILL HER FACE I SEESHE IS BUT ONE
HER KIND IS EVERYWHERECAN'T YOU SEE THERE'S NO WAY ISHOULD CARE
CAN YOU SEE IT IN THE NIGHTCAN YOU FEEL THAT IT'S OUT THERE
IT'S THE ARCING OF A LIFE AND IT'S HANGING IN THE AIR
THOUGH I TRY TO CLOSE MY EYES AND PRETEND THAT I DON'T KNOW IN MY HEARTI JUST CAN'T LET IT GO
THERE HAS TO BE ANOTHER WAY FOR ME
A WAY THAT LEADS FROM THIS
A WAY THAT LEADS FROM MY DESTRUCTION IN THIS WAY
CAN YOU SEE IT IN THE NIGHT
CAN YOU FEEL THAT IT'S OUT THEREIT'S THE ARCING OF A LIFE
AND IT'S HANGING IN THE AIR
THOUGH I TRY TO CLOSE MY EYES AND PRETEND THAT I DON'T KNOW IN MY HEARTI JUST CAN'T LET IT GO
Despite his best efforts he cannot bringhimself to leave the child to this evil andcollapsing on the piano bench, he tells thedevil that he has a deal. Beethoven is now atotally broken man as the fact sinks in thathe has now lost both his soul and his TenthSymphony.
Mephistopheles dances with delight as hepicks up the manuscript never noticing Twist
who sneaks over and whispers in Ludwig'sear, "How do you know thatMephistopheles will keep his word?"Beethoven sits up and repeats the questionaloud. Mephistopheles, never looking upfrom examining his prize, replies thatBeethoven can draw up his own wording fora contract that they will write on a page tornfrom the back of a bible. Beethoven glances
questioningly towards Fate who is still watching from the background. She nodsher head for even the shadows know that a
unbreakable, even by the devil himself.h ll h d hi
The papers are engulfed in a wall of flames.h h fl h di d d h
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Beethoven, totally exhausted, mutters hisconsent but is unable to write the words that
will bring about the destruction of hisbeloved Tenth. Fate, sensing his dilemma,offers to write down the agreement for himand he hands the paper to her. As he staresout the window Fate writes,
It is agreed upon this night, March 26, 1827,between the undersigned, that the music of theTenth Symphony, composed by Ludwig von Beethoven, first born son of Johann and Mariavon Beethoven, of the city of Bonn, shall henceforth be the property of Mephistopheles, Lord of Darkness and first fallen from the graceof God. It is also understood that it is hisintention to remove any signs of this music fromthe memory of man for all eternity. In exchange for the destruction of the aforementioned musicit is also agreed that Mephistopheles and all hisminions will remove themselves from the life of the child presently sleeping in the gutterdirectly across from the window of this room.This removal of influence is to be commenced immediately upon signing and to be enforced for all eternity.
Mephistopheles reads the paper, signs it andpushes it in front of Beethoven. Without
even looking at the document the composersigns the paper. Immediately, Mephistophelesreaches over the piano, seizes the Tenth's
But when the flames have died down thedevil is stunned to find that not only doesthe manuscript still exist, it is not even singed.Thrusting it back over the candle it is onceagain engulfed in flames only to emergeunscathed.
Sensing that he has been tricked, he screamsfor an explanation but Beethoven'sexpression tells him that he is as shocked atthe turn of events as the Devil himself. AsMephistopheles is glancing once more at themanuscript he hears the sound of Twistgiggling in the darkness.
When he demands to know what the dwarf is laughing at, Twist can hardly conceal hisdelight as he explains that the composer'sparents gave birth to a son prior to themaestro's birth. They had named himLudwig von Beethoven but the child died
within his first year. They then named theirsecond son Ludwig as well. Twist continues,“The man before you is that Ludwig vonBeethoven, the second born son of Johann& Maria von Beethoven. You have purchased aTenth Symphony of Ludwig von Beethoven,first born of Johann & Maria, if he ever
writes one.” Mephistopheles glares at Fate, who smiles back at him demurely. Then,throwing the music back at Beethoven, hescreams in frustration and disappears in anexplosion of smoke and flame.
Beethoven is surprised by Mephistopheles'rapid departure and asks if he is not coming
Ludwig von Beethoven
Mephistopheles
replies that he never had any claim to his soul. AND FOR TONIGHTTHE MOMENT IS OVER
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"But Mephistopheles said..."
"He is the devil," Fate replies, "He lies."
"But, there were times when I was rude andcruel to people," Beethoven stutters.
"True, the frustration of your deafness didcause you at times to lash out unfairly atothers, but later you would always regret it
and apologize. You often went throughgreat lengths to make amends for any hurts you had caused. Believe me Ludwig, youhave done well."
And with those words a warm feeling of peace spreads throughout Beethoven's body
and across his soul.
When he asks Fate what is to happen next,she gently tells him that it is time for him torest, for tonight he will dream a new dream
within the gates of paradise. And as the words weave their way into his soul,
Beethoven lies down on the couch near hispiano and begins a new dream.
A FINAL DREAM
( FATE )
LAY YOUR HEAD DOWN AND SLEEP ON MY SHOULDER LAY YOUR HEAD DOWN
AND START A NEW DREAM
THE MOMENT IS OVER DRIFT IN A LULLABY HERE WHERE THE STARS RESIDE
AND ANGELS ARE ALWAYS SEEN
AND LAY YOUR HEAD DOWNTHE STARS THEY HAVE WHISPEREDHEAR WHAT THEY SAY
AND KNOW THAT IT MEANSTHE MOON IS YOUR GUIDETHE STARS THEY HAVE KISSED HER
AS SHE GOES GENTLY BY LIGHT AS A BABY'S SIGHSAFE ON A FAIRY TALE STREAM
AND START A NEW DREAM
With the departure of his soul the storm
begins to break and a stillness settles overthe room as one by one the ghosts andshadows fade away. All seems at peace untilthe sudden reappearance of Twist returningthrough a window. He gazes about theroom, a look of mischievous delightspreading across his face. Scampering over to
the piano, he takes the manuscript for theTenth Symphony and then climbing up abookcase, carefully slips it behind a wall.Here it will remain hidden, the worldblissfully unaware of its existence until thatone day in the future when it will bediscovered and the music will once more
live again.
THE END
COVER ART - EDGAR JERINSDESIGN - LARRY FREEMANTLE
PRODUCED BY - PAUL O'NEILL
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Music by:
OVERTURE - Beethoven, Mozart, O'Neill
MIDNIGHT - O'Neill, Kinkel
FATE - O'Neill
WHAT GOOD THIS DEAFNESS – O’Neill, Kinkel
MEPHISTOPHELES – O’Neill, Oliva
WHAT IS ETERNAL – O’Neill, Kinkel
THE MOMENT – O’Neill, Oliva
VIENNA - O'Neill, Oliva, Kinkel MOZART - Mozart: Arranged by O'Neill, Kinkel
THE DREAMS OF CANDLELIGHT - O'Neill, Kinkel
REQUIEM (THE FIFTH) - Beethoven, Mozart, O'Neill
I'LL KEEP YOUR SECRETS - O'Neill, Oliva, Kinkel
THE DARK - O'Neill, Oliva, Caffery
FÜR ELISE - Arranged by Kinkel
AFTER THE FALL – O’Neill, Oliva
A LAST ILLUSION – Beethoven, Mozart, Rimsky-Korsakov,
O'Neill, Kinkel
THIS IS WHO YOU ARE - O'Neill, Oliva
BEETHOVEN - Beethoven, Mozart, O'Neill, Kinkel
MEPHISTOPHELES' RETURN - O'Neill, Kinkel
MISERY - O'Neill, Kinkel
WHO IS THIS CHILD - O'Neill, Oliva
A FINAL DREAM – O’Neill, Oliva
RECORDED AND MIXED AT -SOUNDTRACKS NEW YORK CITY
OVERDUBS - STUDIO 900 &STELLER PRODUCTIONS- NEW YORK CITY
MASTERED BY KEVIN HODGE AT THE MASTER CUTTING ROOM
ALL SONGS PUBLISHED BY WARNER CHAPELL, BMI A&R - JASON FLOM
CD COVER ART CONCEPT – STEVE BLACK PHOTOGRAPHIC RESEARCH - JOAN COZIER
Story and Lyrics by - Paul O'Neill
CO-PRODUCED BY - ROBERT KINKEL
RECORDING AND MIX ENGINEER DAVE WITTMAN
ADDITIONAL ENGINEERS - ROBERT KINKEL,
MICHAEL SCIELZI, JOE JOHNSON
ASSISTANT ENGINEERS – CORY HALL,DAVID HYMAN, JOSH WILBUR, BRENDA FERRY,
DARREN RAPP, MENG-PING KUO, TIM RONAHAN
LEAD VOCALS
JODY ASHWORTH - BEETHOVENPATTI RUSSO - THERESA
JON OLIVA - MEPHISTOPHELESGUY LEMONNIER - YOUNG BEETHOVENJAMIE TORCELLINI - TWIST
SYLVIA TOSUN - FATEZAK STEVENS - THE MUSES
DAVE DIAMOND - THE MUSESDOUG THOMS - THE MUSES
VOCAL BACKUPS
DANIELLE LANDHERR
MARNI ELLIOTSYLVIA TOSUN
ROBERT KINKEL JON OLIVA
GUY LEMONNIER JODY ASHWORTH
DOUG THOMSCHRISTIAN JAMES
CHILD CHOIR CONDUCTOR
ANTHONY PICCOLO
CHILD CHOIR
JACOB ASHWORTHEVAN MALTBY
SEBASTIAN PEREZCAROLINE ROSS
MIKHAIL KOFMAN ADRIAN ROSS
MANAGEMENT:KREBS COMMUNICATIONS CORP -
DAVID KREBS & TARO MEYER /ADAM LIND /DEBBY DIAMOND
ROBERT KINKEL - PIANO AND KEYBOARDSJON OLIVA - PIANO, KEYBOARDS AND BASS GUITARS
CELLOS
GARO YELLIN
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SPECIAL THANKS
David Krebs, Taro Meyer, Beth Smith, Adam Lind, Kenneth Kaplan, Arnaud Durieux, Debby Diamond, Patti O'Toole, Larry Stessel,
Wolfgang Rott, Gary Gunas and all at Pace, Steve Habl, Nick Ferrara esq., Kathleen Murphy, Andy Secher, Paul Gargano,Matt Masciandaro & ESP, Peavy Amps, Donny Wade and Kevin Easton at Jackson Guitars, Tommy Dougherty at TKL Cases,
LaBella Strings, Ted Burger at Korg, Todd Confessore, Gary Muchmore, Ed Osbeck, Raymie Kopels, Nathan Bradley,Clay Marshall, Ken Thornhill, Jules Belkin, Barry Gabel, Kid Rock & Bobby Ritchie, Jr., Meatloaf, Keith Kevan, Dr. Clement Kuehn,
Sal Iuvara, Olaf Schroeter, Diane Blackman, Barry & Todd at DB Sound & Russ at Pete’s Lights, Jerome Levine, Rita Chan,Maja Pollack, Mary Efremov, Susan Levitzky, John Falenki, The Beasleys, Fred & Shanta Weiss, the Vittone family,
Bob & Sandy Ortiz, the Julianos, The Plate and Tarr families, M. Hall, TM, The Willis family, Leslie & Shadon Sakahae, Patricia Meyer,Gloria & Herbert Jones, Margaret Britt. Sherry Minty, Igor Carcich, Dave Stuart, Stan Oliver, Omar Jr. Oca & the Oca Family,
Jozef Sabovcik, Blade & Jennifer Sabovcik
ABOVE AND BEYONDLava/Atlantic - Jason Flom, Ron Shapiro, Val Azzoli, Robert Wieger, Andrea Ganis, Vicky Germaise, Danny Buch, Rick Froio, Adam Mirabella, Linda Ferrando, Lea Pisacane, Jon Nardachone, Lou Sicurezza, Patti Conte, Tracey Zamot, Lou Plaia, Mary Conroy,
Amy De Rouen, Steve Davis, Jack McMorrow, Chris Goyette, Bonnie Slifkin, Larry Freemantle, Roy Freemantle, Darren Higman,Eric Trainor, Chena Life, Jeff Levy, Kris Metzdorf, LeeAnn Callahan, Lisa Velasquez & everyone else on the Atlantic Team
FAMILY THANKS
The O'Neill family, Charlotte Callen & the Callen family, Eliza Green, Oliver & Gretchen Kinkel, Kathy & Nicholas Oliva,The Oliva Family, Kathy Shatto & Family, Michelle Middleton, Mom Caffery, Mason Dixon, Scott Shannon, Dave Stuart, Igor Carcich,
Martin Thomassen, Tina Stevens, Donna Pitrelli and family, Suzi Zwak, Chris Rich, Karen Rizzo, Eilleen Wittman, Dan Fasciano
An extra special thanks to the Colin Egan and Pattie Jordan and the Loews Theater in Jersey City; may you never have a final night.
This album was written for Desiree
"Final Dream" was first recorded as "Time To Sleep" and was written for Omar Jr. and Ireland.
AL PITRELLI - LEAD, RHYTHM AND BASS GUITARSPAUL O'NEILL - RHYTHM AND ACOUSTIC GUITARS
JEFF PLATE - DRUMSJOHNNY LEE MIDDLETON - BASS
CHRIS CAFFERY - GUITARSDAVE WITTMAN - DRUM, GUITAR AND BASS INSERTS
FOR THOSE LITTLE THINGS THE BAND FORGOT
STRINGS
ARRANGED AND CONDUCTEDBY ROBERT KINKEL
VIOLINS
TODD REYNOLDSPAUL WOODIEL
MARY ROWELL LAURA SEATON-FINNDENISE STILLWELL
VIOLAS
MARK WOODMARK FERRIS
JONAS TAUBER DOROTHY LAWSON
ADDITIONAL LATIN TRANSLATION &PAUL O'NEILL'S LATIN TUTOR –
DR. CLEMENT KUEHN
TSO ENDORSES JACKSON GUITARS,PEAVEY, KORG, TKL CASES, STEINWAY,
LABELLA STRINGS, SEYMOUR DUNCAN PICKUPS,PAISTE CYMBALS, PEARL DRUMS,
VATER DRUMSTICKS & GIBRALTER HARDWARE
FAN CLUB & CORRESPONDENCE, WE TRY TO ANSWER AS MANY LETTERS AS POSSIBLE
TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA P.O. BOX 3519
GRAND CENTRAL STATIONNEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK, 10163
Visit our website at www.Trans-Siberian.com
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8/6/2019 Beethovens Last Night Booklet
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