"Rieu Removes the Stiffness From the Classics"
Scientists examined secret worldwide success of
Maastricht violinist
Yesterday afternoon in the museum on the Vrijthof the first copy
of the book
"Rieu, Maestro without borders/limits" was presented to André Rieu
May 27 - The Limburger by Peter van de Berg
"Hey, hey, hey" is the sound from the crowded lobby of the museum on the Vrijthof. André Rieu shakes his head as he stuffs a handful of peanuts in his mouth. "The waltz is not corny. Yes, then I am a little upset when something like that is being said," was the violinists reaction after Martin Paul – Chairman of the Executive Board of the University of Maastricht – presented him the first copy of the book.
Scientists Maaike Meijer, Jac van den Boogard and Peter Peters thoroughly scrutinized the "phenomenon" Rieu this past year. They analyzed the worldwide success of the Stand-alone violinist, followed Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra behind the scenes during performances abroad, attended rehearsals and interviewed the maestro, some of his orchestra members and other employees. They saw how "the King of Waltz" bridges the gap between high and low culture and how he gives classical music a new dimension. Therefore, the observation of Meijer about the old-fashioned character of the waltz was not meant negatively. She tried to show that Rieu has stripped away the dusty image of the waltz through his cheerful square celebrations."
Rieu has ensured that the stiffening of classical music has disappeared, by presenting concerts in a loose, festive and social way. According to gender expert Meijer, she and her colleagues were more than welcome by André. "He told his orchestra members," They are thoroughly going to research us. I already have had my turn. They dug deep into me, but it did not hurt."
With a smile Rieu listens to her words. He has already read the book, of course, but has not at all discovered anything new about himself. "I am honored with this scientific approach. Normally this study is bestowed upon someone who is considered to be dead for two hundred years. I make music with respect for everyone. I exclude no one. Compositions which make me cry also touch the audience emotionally. Johann Strauss already did that in the city park of Vienna. I do it on the Vrijthof, and that happens to be just a much nicer square."
From 21 June until 28 September the exposition "Andre Rieu – Love for detail" will take place in the Museum on the Vrijthof. The expo highlights Rieu’s music, life and career.
Thanks to John for this article and his Translation
