Tuesday, May 19, 2009
By Gary Budzak ~ The Columbus (Ohio) DispatchWith an assist from several singers, André Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra put on an entertaining concert last night in Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio.
One typically doesn't hear classical music in a sports arena, but then Rieu isn't your typical conductor-violinist. He's also a shameless showman, and a schmaltzy spokesman. Let's put it this way: At one point during the show, Rieu told a lady dressed in red in the front row that bulls react to red. The orchestra played bullfighting music as two people in a bull costume chased the lady (who it seems was part of Rieu's organization) down the aisle.
Is it any wonder then that the modern day "Waltz King" would say his heart beats in three-quarter time? But seriously, the Dutch-born Rieu, 59, said he's been making music with this orchestra for 30 years. He started with five musicians and now has more than 50.
The concert began to the strains of 76 Trombones, as the orchestra, led by Rieu, walked on the floor of the arena to the stage. Many of the people in attendance stood and clapped as the orchestra took their places, the men in tuxedos, the women in colorful gowns. Then the orchestra launched into the Carmen Overture.
Rieu's arrangements stress the melody, giving everyone from the harpist to the female chorus something to do on nearly every tune. These highly competent musicians are often smiling, and they all act to some extent, with all the women starting the second half of the show wearing Dutch costumes and dancing in wooden shoes. When the women left the stage to change into their gowns, the men acted rowdy, to the point of drinking.
Some fans of symphonic music may not like this approach, but it's proved to be a popular formula for Public Broadcasting System audiences. Rieu is a charismatic leader, given to uttering platitudes such as: "Music is the most beautiful thing we have in life." Or,"Without love, there would be no music." He asked audience members where they were from. One man said Ashland, and Rieu thought he meant Iceland at first. Ashland then became a running joke.
Yet what made the concert noteworthy were the songs, including the Ode to Joy and selections from My Fair Lady. Mirusia Louwerse, a lyric soprano from Australia, was exceptional in "Time to Say Goodbye".
A deadline kept me from hearing the encores, but the orchestra played Lehar's Gold and Silver and Strauss' Blue Danube waltzes. ~ Gary Budzak
No comments:
Post a Comment