petersj
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Andre gets the last laugh - 2008/11/16 11:49
I had to see it. And I did.
He is the great phenomen of our time Andre Rieu. I was however curious to see what the fuss was about and I am totally sold. He has often been called the wiggles for over sixties.
I must admit that it made me feel as though I was one of the youngest in the audience until I had a good look around. There were plenty of friends of Dorothy like me and a healthy sprinkling of my fellow youngies. I will admit most were older people and the joy was over whelming.
I have an old recording of my mums of Liberace. LIberace was condemned by serious critics of music but the older public loved him. He once joked saying that he did not care about the knockers that he cried all the way to the bank. Years later he apparently added that he had bought the bank.
Andre is certainly laughing all the way to the bank.
I can tell you why he is so popular. His shows have glamour, spectacle and wow factors galore.
He takes the stuffiness away from classical music. I was brought up on concert visits and I love it but I do feel it has become elitist and snobby. I still go and love it but it is pretty stuffy.
Andre does what Boston pops did but better.
He is a fine musician, a virtuoso on the violin and while there might be better players (he is dam good though) he plays with incredible passion.
He is not afraid of sentimental schmalz and he chooses music that simply cannot lose.
Is there anything in the world as uplifting as a walz by Straus. The audience danced in the aisles. I even saw two old guys dancing and I sweart Andre gave them a huge smile. At times he is playful, like a cheeky kid.
But whats the real reason for the popularity.
Its not the spectacle etc because although all these things help I think the real reason for the success is Andre himself. His charm and warmth; that is what will continue to fill the performances.
My bfs loved it too. WE danced all the way home in the rain.
Welcome to Australia Andre... come back soon!
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