Aren't they a lot a like?
(hiding now from expected obsessive fan outrage :fifty: )
i'm not an obsessive fan. I just kind of discovered them about 2 years ago. I knew about the group, but only through a few songs that would be played on the radio.
Anyway, yes, they are similar in the fact they do rock operas with classical music combining modern style. But TSO is more known for their use of classical instruments to complement the keyboard and electric guitar. Mannheim is mostly keyboard and electronical sounding music. TSO is also known for their original songs written by Paul O'Neil and Jon Oliva as well as their versions of Christmas songs that kick ass with their live performances using lasers, flamethrowers, etc. TSO is a newer arrival as far as the rock opera music scene (officially formed in 1996), but I think they have far better talented musicians (their newest guitarist can play 'Flight of the Bumblebee' flawlessly), and their shows are much more exciting, and more original. Mannhem didn't start touring again until TSO started becoming more well known. TSO is now a very popular choice for coordinated light shows just from the one guy in Ohio using "Wizards in Winter" for his display that Miller even used for a commercial.
TSO's amazing CD cover art is done by Paul, and so is the whole story that was written along with the music, which tells of a runaway girl that learns the meaning of family, Christmas, etc.
TSO also recruits local musicians to play the classical instruments. So when they come here, we not only hear them, we hear local musicians from the Minnesota Orchestra play as well.
Because they are known more for their Christmas songs, they only have one non-Christmas CD out called "Beethoven's Last Night" which tells of Beethoven's last days through a series of songs. Same style, but different music altogether. They have a new Cd to come out in 07 called "Nightcastle".
Really, it is all in personal taste. I like TSO better because of the harmony and the use of classical instruments rather than the mostly electronic and space-ship like sounds of Mannheim.
Samples of each:
Trans-Siberian Orchestra site:
http://www.trans-siberian.com/multimedia/index.shtml
Mannheim:
http://www.mannheimsteamroller.com/index2.html
