Customer Reviews

Andre Rieu - 100 Years of Strauss

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
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Andre Rieu is a great showman - beyond his enormous musical talent. And he has created an orchestra made up of very carefully selected musicians who are not only accomplished players of their own chosen instruments, but who also have a passion for the genre of music they perform. In addition, all of Andre's players are chosen for their conviviality, so that each and every one contributes to the "esprit de corps" and "joie de vivre" that make his a unique orchestra in our contemporary culture.

In addition to the splendid string, brass, and woodwind sections, the Johann Strauss Orchestra also includes a wide range of percussion instruments, a cymbalo, and even a concert grand piano. The piano harmonizes with the rest of the orchestra for melodic support, and yet contributes its own special luster. And while every background musician in this orchestra performs admirably, with repeated exposure it becomes apparent that the piano, flute, oboe, and bassoon players, as well as both of the percussionists, are really outstanding.

Nonetheless, after performing each piece, Andre insists that EVERY performer in his orchestra (about 50 musicians) stand up and share the thunderous applause coming from a very appreciative audience. This connection between performers and audience builds and builds until, by the time of the concert's approaching finale, some of the audience actually starts dancing in the isles, and the remainder (about 1500 patrons) gradually all stand up, link arms, and start humming along with the music while swaying side to side. This is Andre's dream come true, and even while he is still playing and conducting, his face begins to beam with great pride while watching this emotional spectacle in the audience come to life right in front of him. All in all, it is a wonderfully moving experience that can bring tears to your eyes and make your heart sing for many a day.

This DVD is a fabulous recording of a 1999 centennial celebration concert in a Vienna music hall. For anyone not familiar with the music of the Strauss family, I know of no better introduction; for the many who have already enjoyed televised Viennese concerts, this one cannot fail to at least entertain; and finally, for all those folk long in love with the Strauss Volksgarten Konzert style, this particular video recording is surely a portal to Paradise.

When this DVD was announced to launch on Jan 23, 2003 I was hesitated to make a preorder because I got the video already. But I am glad I did because this is an English version whereas the video is in German. I appreciate that no other artists could be so considerate as Andre who always records more than two languages versions for his fans all over the world, it requires extra effort especially in a live concert. This was a concert in Vienna in1999 in memory of 100 years of Johann Strauss death. Let's see how magnificant the concert hall has been decorated, how beautiful are the music and remarkable the performance of Andre & the JSO. As a bonus special, we also know some update facts & data about Andre which every fan would be interested.

This is one of the best orchestras to present the Strauss music I have ever listened to. Andre Rieu really gets into the music and really enjoys what he is doing.

Amazing man, possibly his best DVD. How far this culture has fallen from the splendor of ballroom dances and Strauss to Emniem and 50 Cent.

I own a few of Andre Rieu's DVDs. In my opinion, this is one of his best. He takes care to explain the background of Strauss' music, music that has enchanted millions of listeners for decades. I am grateful that this musician dedicates himself to the resurrection of Strauss'immortal music and his DVDs are excellent, with the exception of his Flying Dutchman, which is complicated by having to switch to the second page of the DVD. There are some I would not buy, i.e.the DVD music from Tuscany, and some where he simply strays off his musical focus by introducing too many side shows. His strength lies in the purity of adhering to the music of Johann Strauss.

A totally engaging and, as usual, joyous experience.
Fabulous entertainment for all ages.

This was a present for my grandmother who does have his whole collection. She said that it was absolutely beautiful, even more beautiful than alot of the others.Andre Rieu - 100 Years of Strauss

Andre Rieu: Radio City Hall Live in New York (2007)

Very entertaining - lots of variety - quality of video and sound is
excellent. One of the best of Andre Rieu.

Wonderful performance although the Dublin DVD is more entertaining. Worth the money. Downside is that there is too much Rieu. It is smaltzy when during the Lilac waltz he goes into a garden and points out the lilacs but that is Rieu. I would rather watch the orchestra than watch Rieu wander through towns.

This is an early 2000 release by Andre Rieu. It is 60 minutes long. The music is OK and the presentation is OK. It is interesting to see how small the orchestra was at that time and what the players looked like then as compared to recent dvd's. Over all if you are looking for a short music show it is OK.