Forever Vienna -
André Rieu
Decca 5323879 Buy now
Lehár Das Land des Lächelns – Dein ist mein ganzes Herz. Die lustige Witwe – medley (arr Rieu) Ravel Boléro Rieu/Huijts Strauss Party. Carnaval de Venice. Strauss & Co Shostakovich Jazz Suite No 2 – Waltz No 2 J Strauss I Radetzky March, Op 228.
J Strauss II an der schönen, blauen Donau Op 314. Frühlingsstimmen Walzer, Op 410. Perpetuum mobile, Op 257. Unter Donner und Blitz, Op 324. Wein, Weib und Gesang, Op 333. Wiener Blut, Op 354. Der Zigeunerbaron - medley (arr Rieu). Auf Ferienreisen, Op 133.
Johann Strauss Orchestra of Vienna / André Rieu
Decca (+DVD) 532 387-9
After years of success elsewhere, André Rieu has finally overcome in a big way his previous failure to break into Britain. He comes with a fine pedigree. Years ago I owned an LP of Viennese overtures played by the Limburg Symphony Orchestra conducted by his father. The younger Rieu began in his father’s orchestra before branching out with his concerts of lollipops, and one must commend the way he takes music to the people and perhaps restores the popular appeal that pieces may have lost in being absorbed into the classical repertory. The DVD of a 2007 Albert Hall concert that forms part of the present package demonstrates that Rieu’s concerts are indeed joyous occasions.
Whether the package offers much for readers of Gramophone is another matter. There’s certainly elegance and swing to the genuine Viennese music, though there’s also a shortage of the natural inflections that contribute so much to its effect. Moreover, though very much based on original orchestrations, the arrangements are M Rieu’s own, and they incorporate a piano never found in the Strauss Orchestra.
The CD is culled from recordings released over a period of 14 years, and I doubt that many Gramophone readers will be drawn to the medleys it contains or, for instance, a seven-minute arrangement of Ravel’s Boléro complete with ethereal choir. Far be it from me, though, to denigrate someone who gives such pleasure to so many and perhaps instils in them a lasting love of classical music.
Andrew Lamb
