André Rieu to Become an Object of
Study
Science to examine the success of the Second Waltz
Science to examine the success of the Second Waltz
Four Maastricht scientists are going to examine the phenomenon "André Rieu." Primary research will concentrate on what the secret of Rieu is, why his music is appealing and how the Stand-alone violinist manages in fading the boundaries between 'high' and 'low' culture
According to the researchers Rieu manages to rid classical music from its exalted image. Thus he popularizes the genre into a wide audience. Specially notable is that Rieu is not only popular in the Netherlands but also worldwide.
Rieu broke through in 1994 with his rendition of "The Second Waltz" by Dimitri Shostakovich. He performed that piece during the
rest period of
the final Champions League in 1995. Since then he has been performing all over the world with a great show full of glitz and glamour. Recently he and his orchestra performed during the Coronation Concert at Museum square in Amsterdam.
Some critics call his approach to classical music 'disrespectful'.
The research team consists of Prof. Maaike Meijer, professor of cultural and gender studies at the University of Maastricht, Dr. Peter Peters and Dr. Louis van den Hengel from the faculty of culture and social knowledge and historian Dr Jac van den Boogard (Social historic Centre of Limburg). The research should lead to amongst others to include a book, a documentary film and a scientific conference.
The research team consists of Prof. Maaike Meijer, professor of cultural and gender studies at the University of Maastricht, Dr. Peter Peters and Dr. Louis van den Hengel from the faculty of culture and social knowledge and historian Dr Jac van den Boogard (Social historic Centre of Limburg). The research should lead to amongst others to include a book, a documentary film and a scientific conference.
This came out in the Limburger and other newspapers in Holland today. Thanks to John for the Translation!
LOL THAT IS GREAT, SCIENCE THESE DAYS HUH! I BET THEY JUST WANT TO LISTEN TO ANDRE ALL DAY LONG AND THEY DECIDED TO CALL IT A STUDY LOL!!
ReplyDeleteAND WHO COULD BLAME THEM, LISTENING TO ANDREW IS THE BEST WAY TO SPEND A DAY LOL THAT RHYMES!!
WISHING YOU A MERRY WEEKEND
JANET!
I am anxious to read the book of the scientists. While waiting, I have to admit I don't totally agree with the base of their eventual study. André Rieu has no double personnality, he remains himself. And what is that 'high' and 'low' culture? Does it mean Puccini is 'high' culture and Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber is 'low' culture? Oh! I dislike that. Anyway, if there is a book I won't miss is this coming one of the named scientists.
ReplyDeleteClaire Trudel - Montréal
The scientists should read all the comments on H.P, and they'd find out what makes Andre tick.
ReplyDeleteMargery Hamill
It is not difficult to see why Andre appeals to all cultures and societies. He is a one off , an honest man full of warmth he has no ego and has an superb talent.He has complete appreciation and respect for all the music he plays and for the audiences who love him.
ReplyDeleteRegardless of the warning about abuse it is my firm opinion that this project is NOT science.
ReplyDeleteIt is a perfect example of wasteful expenditure and results in a form of welfare for those practising such nonsense.
It is blinding obvious why Rieu is popular.
He himself is elegant and charming. He is a talented musician who has put together a package that appeals to a wide range of the more mature , in all senses of the word , population. Those currently systematically neglected by popular media culture.
He plays music that is melodic, harmonically rich and probably timeless.
so there you are Profs, Ive done the job for you now you take yourself off the public payroll as a special favour to me.
Some hopes.
Edward Satter