I’ve been listening to Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s album “Beethoven’s Last Night”, one of their three non-Christmas albums (the other two are “Night Castle” and “Letters From The Labyrinth.) I’ve probably listened to “Beethoven’s Last Night” a half-dozen times, at least, in the last few weeks. I love their music, but I also love the stories they weave in with their music.
In “Beethoven’s Last Night”, a fictional story set on the last night of Beethoven’s life, Beethoven meets and talks with a beautiful spirit named “Fate”. As he talks with Fate, feeling crushed by the dreadful things that have happened to him in his life, including his deafness, Fate shows him a review of his life and asks him what he would have her change. She also shows him the joy and inspiration that his music has brought to people and will continue to bring to future generations.
“At the end of this last minute review of his life, he now realizes that to remove what he considers the most painful moments of his past, also removes the inspiration for what he considers his finest work. Change one thing and he changes it all.”
I appreciate this insight that TSO so beautifully portrays in this story and music. Everything in life matters, we just don’t always know what parts matter nor how much they matter. Cool stuff!
And here’s an excerpt from the Foreward to Marcus Aurelius’ book, “Meditations”. Marcus Aurelius is my all-time favorite Roman Emperor (I never even realized that I had a favorite Roman Emperor until I wrote that sentence 😉 )
“In the wake of extreme hardship, Aurelius still held onto the belief that every trial and tribulation in life presents an opportunity for learning, growth, and the cultivation of virtue. In one of the text’s most beautiful and poignant passages, he expresses his belief that the “art of life” is to view all of life as an “old and faithful friend,” which only brings exactly what is needed for our own growth.”
Aurelius, Marcus. Meditations: Complete and Unabridged (Clydesdale Classics) (Kindle Locations 52-55). Clydesdale Press. Kindle Edition.
And here’s a quote from that same book that struck me rather profoundly:
“Readiest among the principles to which you look let there be these two: Firstly, things external do not touch the soul, but remain powerless without; and all trouble comes from what we think of them within. Secondly, all things visible change in a moment, and are gone for ever. Recollect all the changes of which you have yourself been a witness. The world is a succession of changes: life is but thought.”
Aurelius, Marcus. Meditations: Complete and Unabridged (Clydesdale Classics) (Kindle Locations 407-410). Clydesdale Press. Kindle Edition.
