Comments

I saw one of his performances on TV last week. The guy is a fine player, but the 'show' itself I found to be a bit over the top. He's a good violinist, I don't think he's a very good showman - but there were a lot of older people in the crowd and they seemed to like it quite a bit. I haven't heard much about him...why are there only women in his orchestra and why are they performing in ball gowns? I'll put this on for good measure ---
He seriously needs a new hair style! Sydney, there's plenty of blokes in his orchestra as well. As far as the ball gowns and stuff, well I guess it's all part of the showmanship fluff.

I have to admit to a guilty secret ... oh gawd this so hard to say ... but ... but... well ... sometimes ... ONLY SOMETIMES!! ... I ... watch ... Andre Rieu ... AAARGGGGHHHH... I'm sooooooo ashamed!

Forgive me. ... it's usually the ONLY thing approaching string music on TV and it beats watching infomercials ... JUST.

It really is very light middle of the road music and to be honest most of it makes my skin crawl (well that and Mr Rieu's incredibly fake smile).

Oh well, guess we all have a guilty pleasure or 6.

I shall now go listen to 3 hours of Bach as penance. (YIPPEEE!)

Neil.

He kinda looks like Fabio... I CAHN'T believe it's not... violin? I've dipped into his programs now and then, and I think the appeal is as much comraderie (sp?)as anything else -- his audience has a big musical lovefest during the performance. They also love the fact that they're at a "classical" music concert (ahem...) and they understand it and can sing along, which makes them classy and included in a world they might not otherwise enter. Andre has touched a nerve and capitalized on a strong need in this tough world for an excuse for people to gather, sing at the top of their lungs, cry, and unite for a brief time without feeling "funny" about it. The quality of the music is almost secondary. That sounds snooty on my part...Didn't mean it to. :0) Eeegh...
I loathe Andre Rieu; he seems to play only for money and the show, not the music itself. No offense to any Rieu fans out there, but he seems to be more of a crowd-pleaser than a musician. Does anyone else know of a violinist who has ladies' scarves with their signature on it or {insert name here} teddy bears for sale? Only Andre Rieu... Neil, we all forgive you. I think what Peggy says is really on to something.

In a paradoxical way it reminds me of someting Darol Anger said about music. He described how as a kid, music was some thing to aspire to where the musician is "up" here nad the audience is "down" there and you are performing and they are listening to you....etc.

But he descibes how from his experience in Brazil and South America in general, he sees how music can (and *should*) be about participation. (Ironically to me, that is also what Bluegrass is anyway--Darol's "roots" music!)

Even though Rieu is most definitely a "star" and "up" on stage, he draws out that participatory spirit--raises the musical conciousness and musical courage of his audience.

That is, regardless of the showiness, a most noble act.

What's wrong with his hair? It's pretty much the same as mine. I have prettier eyes and multiple facial expressions. He plays violin better. All in all, I'm not jealous. I'll let him live. Some people can do the long hair. Not him. Diabolical!