André Rieu Performs a Victory March Across the World

André Rieu Performs a Victory March Across the World
But His Heart Remains in Limburg

Endive With Bacon Bits, Please ...

2009 was the year for André Rieu. But it has been like that for years.The Waltz king rules on earth, but now wants to go into space, which seems to be his answer to one of our reader's question.

Tours through Japan, Canada, Australia and the United States, on TV with Queen Elizabeth, and on a Postage Stamp with his characteristic head. That is only one of the many highlights of 2009 for the Maastricht citizen and his Johann Strauss Orchestra. Rieu still scratches his curly head every time he reaches yet another highpoint.

Not totally illogical for some one who came so far. In the seventies he was still playing in homes for the elderly with his Maastricht Salon Orchestra, his breakthrough came with a performance in 1995 during the half time break, mid field in the Olympic Stadium during the European Soccer championship match between Ajax and Bayern-Muenchen. Sixty thousand spectators crazily waved along with the melody of the"Blue Danube". (Translators note: I believe it was the "Second Waltz").

Center field has since been replaced by an immense podium, the likes of a copied palace, where he surrounds himself with many musicians, singers and soloists. His entourage these days consists of approximately five hundred people, and his legions consist of many millions of fans, spread out over the entire world.

From the very beginning, Rieu assured accessibility to the world of classical music, and that accessibility still exists today. Those who are fond of classical music and call it an intellectual challenge, call him the heir to James Last (German Orchestra Leader). And those who interpret his classical interpretations as festive, have crowned him the King of the Waltz. That polarization also occurs abroad, as evidenced during his recent tours through Australia, the US and Canada. There were many positive reviews, but also some critical ones. "His waving hair was more dramatic then his playing" wrote an American critic. "Walt Disney for grown ups" said another. "Master of fake art" judged the "Australian". Rieu would never let the critics' remarks get to him. "I never do cross over music" he said in an interview with Reuters. "I play my music in a serious manner, sometimes I play it a little faster, sometimes it is shortened. When Johan Strauss was alive there were no juke boxes or televisions, and people expected a waltz to last eighteen minutes, now they only expect them to last no more then four or five minutes. Who is opposed to that?"

In America they are happy with Rieu. There, a growing market exists for artists who bring classical music to the masses in a popular manner, such as the tenor group "Il Divo", it has become a nice union. Rieu's concerts are very well liked by viewers of the forty five plus years, the age group which PBS, the largest public television in the US, targets primarily. Classical melodies with show and bravura has brought PBS many new members. And on the other side, Rieu profits from his exposure on the US TV through the sales of millions of CD's and videos. As far as American concepts are concerned, Rieu is not an archetypical superstar. Away from the stage he is not the glamorized type. He is not recognized for his powerful or peppery statements during his interviews and his behavior can be called 100% down to earth. But on stage, this modesty disappears and he becomes the charismatic leader, who transports the Americans to a time of grandeur and politeness.In 2009, Rieu celebrated triumphs all over the world. Together with Bette Midler, Lady Gaga, Michael Bublé and Mika, he performed in front of Queen Elizabeth and her husband, Prince Philip. He became a Knight in the French Order of Arts and Letters, all due to his challenges towards and performances of classical music in France. As a commemoration of his thirtieth anniversary as an artist, his image appeared on a stamp of the TNT (Dutch Postal System). He belongs to a select small group of artists who has a request on the iPhone.

In 2009 he sold the most music DVD's in the Netherlands. The DVD "Live in Australia" led the DVD charts for seen weeks. And last, but not least, his Vrijthof concerts this year were again a thunderous success. Does it ever end? The now sixty year old Rieu has already filled 2010 with ambitious projects.

For the coming year, huge tours have been planned for South Africa, America, Canada and Central America titled "Celebration of Music". The success of the Maastricht stand alone violinist some times takes on strange and mysterious forms. Reporter Lisa Whithead of the American TV station ABC, placed several question marks behind the statements made by several Rieu fans, indicating that his music was better than any known medicine. Rieu answered her seriously. "I received a letter from a doctor who asked me: "How do you do that?" I have a patient who sits like a plant near the window, but when she plays your DVD, she dances around".

On Australian TV he was asked what he liked best to eat anywhere in the world. His answer was spontaneous and brought laughter from the Australians. "Endive with bacon bits" replied Rieu. Despite his hero status he still seems to have both feet firmly planted on the ground.

Thanks to John for finding and translating this for us!

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