What is the Trans-Siberian Orchestra?

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Copyright © 2008 Mark Anderson


The Trans-Siberian Orchestra, often called TSO, is a rock orchestra founded in the mid-1990s. The band's style is very hard to describe, as it incorporates elements of classical musical, heavy metal, symphonic metal and progressive rock. While the Trans-Siberian Orchestra is based in New York City, it often tours around the world. That means that people in unusual and obscure locations may get the chance to experience this unique sound.

One of the things the orchestra is the most famous for is its renditions of traditional Christmas music. Some of the best known pieces include Wizards in Winter and their rendition of Carol of the Bells - Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24. Originally founded in Florida, the group's name comes from Russia's Trans-Siberian Railway. This railway connects many cultures that would otherwise be isolated, in the same way the band hopes to connect them with music.

Initially, despite the fact that members of the orchestra had produced and managed other well-known rock acts, the idea of a band playing Christmas music and other material in rock opera style did not go over well with the music industry.

Fortunately, fans felt otherwise, and the TSO quickly proved to be a success with people of all ages. The Trans-Siberian Orchestra tours with a band including fourteen musicians, two narrators and fourteen vocalists, and uses a full choir and sixty piece orchestra in the recording studio. Band members change periodically, and musicians used on tour may be local to the area the TSO is touring.

The debut album from the orchestra: Christmas Eve and Other Stories, was released in 1996. It's still their best selling album, though they also released another themed Christmas concept album, The Christmas Attic, in 1998. This album contained one of the orchestra's most recognizable songs - their version of Pachelbel's famous Canon in D, called Christmas Canon.

Their first and so far only non Christmas album was released in 2000. Called Beethoven's Last Night, this concept album is about the last night on Earth of Ludvig van Beethoven. Over the course of the album, he meets the infamous Mephistopheles, as well as Fate and her son. They toured for several years, then went back to the studio in 2004 for the album Lost Christmas Eve, as well as an accompanying three CD set containing all their Christmas albums to that point.

A non-Christmas album has been in the works for some time, called Night Castle. Originally projected to be released in early 2008, the album has still not come out. It's expected to contain the TSO's rendition of Carl Orff's "O Fortuna" from Carmina Burana, which has been performed during tours in the past several years. Tours usually run during the winter each year, beginning in November and ending around the beginning of January. This matches up with the TSO's primarily Christmas themed discography.

The band's devotion to perfection has been blamed for the long delay in releasing the album, and previous albums have also been severely delayed, with Beethoven's Last Night's release delayed for two years and the Lost Christmas Eve delayed for a year. This tendency has caused the band to joke about whether or not Night Castle will ever come out - a joke usually followed up with a performance of O Fortuna.

Live shows by the TSO are known for use of extensive lasers, lights and pyrotechnics, all carefully synchronized with the band's performance. Shows usually are divided into two halves, with the first half containing Christmas Eve and Other stories, and the second being a mix of albums which may also include covers of work by other artists. Trans-Siberian Orchestra concerts usually finish off with Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24, their most famous piece.

This unique musical group maintains a website and fansite devoted to their work, which includes information about album releases and the current tour, as well as general information about the current lineup and the music. Music, clothing and other merchandise can be purchased through the Trans-Siberian Orchestra site.

Anyone looking for an unusual and fascinating experience should take a few moments to listen to this amazing musical group. The Trans-Siberian Orchestra has a lot to offer, and mixes many different musical styles and backgrounds to create an experience like no other.




About the Author:
Mark Anderson writes for Click It Ticket, a sports and concert tickets website, where you purchase affordable Trans-Siberian Orchestra tickets and much more. http://www.ClickitTicket.com