The Fantastic Andre Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra - as seen on TV and 'You Tube'

Today I discovered André Rieu and his his Johann Strauss Orchestra. And it was fantastic!

My Mum had mentioned, earlier in the day, a CD, plus DVD, that she had seen advertised on TV a number of times ~ a set that she was keen to buy. I hadn't seen the advert and didn't even recognise the name.

A little later, we happened to be watching a daytime Magazine programme, The Alan Titchmarsh Show, when Alan said that his special guest would be André Rieu. I was none the wiser; I had never heard of him. But I was intrigued when he mentioned Rieu's past successes and his Johann Strauss Orchestra ~ which would be filling the studio. I do like Viennese Waltzes.

So I waited, full of anticipation, and it was so worth the wait. The musical medley ~ just a taster ~ was absolutely fantastic. Rieu played the violin ~ a 17th century Stradivarius violin ~ and the orchestra, dressed as for a Viennese Waltz, looked wonderful. It was beautiful and emotional ~ a real treat, which earned them a standing ovation from the audience.

And yes, André Rieu was the man whose CDs my Mum had seen advertised. She has always loved the music of Strauss ~ especially 'The Blue Danube'.

I am guessing that the DVD features the recreation of a 'Wonderland' show that Rieu described in his interview, including the fairy tale castle created by his son, Pierre. That sounds amazing and beautiful and I look forward to seeing it ~ though the music is totally beautiful by itself.

Although the orchestra is named after Johann Strauss, Rieu plays music by many different composers.

Now that I know who André Rieu is, I am going to seek out his work. I know that this will be hugely rewarding.

I am learning that André Rieu is something of a 'pop' sensation in the UK. I hadn't even realised that he had played at 'The Royal Variety Performance' in 2009. How could I have missed this talent?!

Rieu has an official website and there are also fan websites.

There are many examples of André Rieu's work on YouTube, so you can listen for yourself ~ I particularly like Ravel's 'Bolero' and Strauss's 'Blue Danube'.ressed with Rieu's work!

I wrote this original piece after watching Rieu and his orchestra on the Alan Titchmarsh show on 4th February 2010. His appearance on the show was so well received that he was invited back on 1st April. On both occasions he was presented with awards.

I have now added video links to four  examples of Rieu's talent - all from 'YouTube'.  I understand that the first is from that very Alan Titchmarsh Show, where I found myself so impressed with Rieu's work!

Tricia Mason

This biography, of Andre Léon Marie Nicolas Rieu, tells the amazing story of this extremely popular Dutch musician.

André Rieu's father was the conductor of the 'Maastricht Symphony Orchestra', so it is not at all surprising that young Rieu's interest in music was noticeable from a very yearly age. He started to learn the violin at the tender age of five and his studies continued at Liège's 'Conservatoire Royal', Maastricht's 'Conservatorium' and Brussels Music Academy.His instrument is a 1667 Stradivarius violin

Rieu created, first, 'The Maastricht Salon Orchestra' and, in 1987, 'The Johann Strauss Orchestra'. His talent and personality, together with the engaging musical style of both himself and his orchestra, have contributed to a renaissance in waltz music.

Although Rieu and his orcherstra play Strauss waltzes, they do not confine themselves to those, alone ~ nor, indeed, to just the waltzes of other composers. The orchestra plays various styles of music and has been accompanied by a number of guest singers and musicians.