André Rieu: 100 Years of Strauss

Rating:
Summary: ..... Andre's finest hour .....
Review: Andre Rieu is a great showman - beyond his enormous musical talent. And he has created an orchestra made up of very carefully selected musicians who are not only accomplished players of their own chosen instruments, but who also have a passion for the genre of music they perform. In addition, all of Andre's players are chosen for their conviviality, so that each and every one contributes to the "esprit de corps" and "joie de vivre" that make his a unique orchestra in our contemporary culture.

In addition to the splendid string, brass, and woodwind sections, the Johann Strauss Orchestra also includes a wide range of percussion instruments, a cymbalo, and even a concert grand piano. The piano harmonizes with the rest of the orchestra for melodic support, and yet contributes its own special luster. And while every background musician in this orchestra performs admirably, with repeated exposure it becomes apparent that the piano, flute, oboe, and bassoon players, as well as both of the percussionists, are really outstanding.

Nonetheless, after performing each piece, Andre insists that EVERY performer in his orchestra (about 43 musicians) stand up and share the thunderous applause coming from a very appreciative audience. This connection between performers and audience builds and builds until, by the time of the concert's approaching finale, some of the audience actually starts dancing in the isles, and the remainder (about 1500 patrons) gradually all stand up, link arms, and start humming along with the music while swaying side to side. This is Andre's dream come true, and even while he is still playing and conducting, his face begins to beam with great pride while watching this emotional spectacle in the audience come to life right in front of him. All in all, it is a wonderfully moving experience that can bring tears to your eyes and make your heart sing for many a day.

This DVD is a fabulous recording of a 1999 centennial celebration concert in a Vienna music hall. For anyone not familiar with the music of the Strauss family, I know of no better introduction; for the many who have already enjoyed televised Viennese concerts, this one cannot fail to at least entertain; and finally, for all those folk long in love with the Strauss Volksgarten konzert style, this particular video recording is surely a portal to Paradise.

Rating:
Summary: ..... Andre's finest hour .....
Review: Andre Rieu is a great showman - beyond his enormous musical talent. And he has created an orchestra made up of very carefully selected musicians who are not only accomplished players of their own chosen instruments, but who also have a passion for the genre of music they perform. In addition, all of Andre's players are chosen for their conviviality, so that each and every one contributes to the "esprit de corps" and "joie de vivre" that make his a unique orchestra in our contemporary culture.

In addition to the splendid string, brass, and woodwind sections, the Johann Strauss Orchestra also includes a wide range of percussion instruments, a cymbalo, and even a concert grand piano. The piano harmonizes with the rest of the orchestra for melodic support, and yet contributes its own special luster. And while every background musician in this orchestra performs admirably, with repeated exposure it becomes apparent that the piano, flute, oboe, and bassoon players, as well as both of the percussionists, are really outstanding.

Nonetheless, after performing each piece, Andre insists that EVERY performer in his orchestra (about 43 musicians) stand up and share the thunderous applause coming from a very appreciative audience. This connection between performers and audience builds and builds until, by the time of the concert's approaching finale, some of the audience actually starts dancing in the isles, and the remainder (about 1500 patrons) gradually all stand up, link arms, and start humming along with the music while swaying side to side. This is Andre's dream come true, and even while he is still playing and conducting, his face begins to beam with great pride while watching this emotional spectacle in the audience come to life right in front of him. All in all, it is a wonderfully moving experience that can bring tears to your eyes and make your heart sing for many a day.

This DVD is a fabulous recording of a 1999 centennial celebration concert in a Vienna music hall. For anyone not familiar with the music of the Strauss family, I know of no better introduction; for the many who have already enjoyed televised Viennese concerts, this one cannot fail to at least entertain; and finally, for all those folk long in love with the Strauss Volksgarten konzert style, this particular video recording is surely a portal to Paradise.

Rating:
Summary: It's a surprise that it is an English version
Review: When this DVD was announced to launch on Jan 23, 2003 I was hesitated to make a preorder because I got the video already. But I am glad I did because this is an English version whereas the video is in German. I appreciate that no other artists could be so considerate as Andre who always records more than two languages versions for his fans all over the world, it requires extra effort especially in a live concert. This was a concert in Vienna in1999 in memory of 100 years of Johann Strauss death. Let's see how magnificant the concert hall has been decorated, how beautiful are the music and remarkable the performance of Andre & the JSO. As a bonus special, we also know some update facts & data about Andre which every fan would be interested.

Rating:
Summary: Very entertaining
Review: Wonderful performance although the Dublin DVD is more entertaining. Worth the money. Downside is that there is too much Rieu. It is smaltzy when during the Lilac waltz he goes into a garden and points out the lilacs but that is Rieu. I would rather watch the orchestra than watch Rieu wander through towns.