Andre Rieu Orchestra

Recently, I am obsessed with watching YouTube videos on concerts performed by André Rieu, a well-known Dutch violinist and conductor. He is extremely successful in turning classical and waltz music into a worldwide concert touring act. I was glad to chance upon his magnificent concerts while searching for videos online.

Here are some of my favourite videos of his concerts and what I like about them.

Walking In The Air
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1-41Memra0

This is actually a song written for the 1982 animated film "The Snowman". This flim relates the fleeting adventures of a young boy and a snowman who flew to the North Pole in which this song is the theme for the journey. In this video, the concert itself was held during Christmas Eve at the castle which Andre lives in. Andre believes that nothing is more important than spending Christmas at home with his family, neighbors and loved ones which is the reason why this concert was held at his place of residence. This song was sung by 3 gorgeous soprano singers accompanied by a young magnificent ballerina who flew across the beautiful snow-filled castle during the concert.



Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWH3Hmsr5fM

This is a rather long and hard to pronounce word which is the title of a song from the 1964 Disney musical film "Mary Poppins". Although it may sound childish, it actually has the meaning of  "something to say when you have nothing to say". In this video, the singer "Mary Poppins" appeared by hanging in mid air and slowly made her descent to the stage. The song is humorous and very entertaining even to adults.


I Will Follow Him
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqN9aS2S3L0

This song has always been an all-time favourite after it gained popularity worldwide through being featured at the end of the 1992 flim "Sister Act". Similar to how it appeared in the flim "Sister Act", a group of ladies started by singing the chorus before the lead singer took over. As seen in the video, many female audiences enjoyed the song so much that they began to dance and sing along. 


Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZb-SVm7eLE

There are several versions of this song and I believe this one is the most popular. Although Hallelujah is a Hebrew word which means 'Glory to the Lord', you would unexpectedly learn that this version of the song can be interpreted as having a sexual connotation from parts of the lyrics as follows:

Your faith was strong but you needed proof
You saw her bathing on the roof
Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew ya
She tied you to the kitchen chair
She broke your throne and she cut your hair
And from your lips, she drew the Hallelujah


Can't Help Falling In Love
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuH_90giGTQ

A pop ballad originally recorded by the legendary American singer Elvis Presley which took the world by storm was once again enjoyed by thousands in Maastricht, the hometown of Andre. I adore the way Andre played the tune on his violin while thousand of audiences sang this song while dancing with their partners. The dance performance which the male dancer carried the female wheelchair-bound dancer up in the air and swing was simply stunning. In fact, I can feel the solemness of the audiences and the performances reaffirming their love to their partners through this video. Hence, it is no doubt this is my favourite video of all!


My Heart Will Go On
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3SfufW6D74

Many people are familiar with this theme song for the 1997 American romance-disaster film "Titanic". In this video, the song blends well with the stunning ice-skating performance together with the beautiful square in Vienna.


Once Upon A Time In The West
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yf_KXyMaoB8

This was the soundtrack for the 1968 epic Spaghetti Western film portraying two conflicts that take place around Flagstone, a fictional town in America: a land battle related to construction of a railroad, and a mission of vengeance against a cold-blooded killer. It was composed by the renowned Italian composer, Ennio Morricone who is one of my favourite.


The Godfather Main Title Theme
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSxxQcVd2MU

This was the soundtrack for the 1972 American crime film "The Godfather". Although I have not watched this film and the one mentioned just above, both soundtrack are melodious to me. I believe they relate to the aspects the the film very well.


Personally, I like the way which Andre held most of his concerts in an open area which ensures natural ventilation and gives his audiences some space to dance along with the music. All his performers are very well-dressed like him in regards to the concerts. Perhaps the most important factor for his success is the professionalism of him and his orchestra. Besides making the audiences dance and sing along with the music, some of his performances also make them cry. I certainly hope to attend his concert someday.