Customer Reviews

Andre Rieu: Romantic Paradise

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

In the wondrous outdoor setting of the Piazza della Republica in Cortona, a small town in Tuscany, Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra serenade us under the stars, and move many in the audience to tears with the beauty and sentiment of his performances. Rieu looks relaxed and as if he is thoroughly enjoying himself, and speaks in a halting Italian (with English subtitles), and makes fun of himself when he can't think of the right words. A charming personality and exuberant talent make him a one-of-a-kind musician, and a treat to watch and listen to.
The orchestra is marvelous, and the female musicians and singers sparkle in their candy colored old fashioned dresses.
Interspersed with some of the music are scenes of the lovely Tuscan countryside, as well as Venice.

Among the songs played are:
1: Nino Rota's Love Theme from "The Godfather". I adore this song, and have never heard it played so expressively.
2: "Strangers in Paradise", which is the Borodin theme used in "Kismet".
3: "Romance Anonyme".
4: "La Paloma".
5: Puccini's "O Mio Bambino Caro", sung by Carmen Monarca.
6: Franz von Suppé's "The Light Cavalry".
7: Johann Strauss' "Lagune Waltz".
8: Johann Strauss' rousing polka "Thunder and Lightening".
9: Ennio Morricone's theme from "Once Upon a Time in the West", with Carla Maffioletti.
10: Offenbach's "Barcarole" sung by Carla and Carmen.
11: "The Rose".
12: "Ode to Joy" from Beethoven's 9th Symphony.
13: Rossini's "William Tell Overture".
14: a medley that includes Verdi's "La donna e' mobile" (from "Rigoletto"), "Libiamo" ("La Traviata"), "Triumphal March" ("Aida"), and Bizet's "Toreador Song" ("Carmen"), and much more, including an Italian pop number which has the audience enthusiastically singing along. Rieu ends with a song he wrote with his brother Jean-Philippe called "Ti Amo", the fitting finale for an enchanting night under Italian skies.
Total running time is 120 minutes.

It's a great special and is now going to be available on DVD and CD through Andre's US label - DENON.

Title is 'Tuscany' and the DVD will be HALF the price of this import!

Romantic Paradise is a great DVD. However, it is the original "Andre Rieu in Tuscany" under a new name. A great DVD, the music is wonderful, the setting very romantic, but this isn't the first DVD he has done this with. Use caution when ordering so you don't end up with duplicate DVDs as I did.

This product is an exact copy of the "Live in Tuscany" DVD, it just has a different cover so BE WARNED before buying this product!
Personally I feel cheated by the artist and will think twice before buying his DVD's again.

I believe this to be an exact duplicate of Tuscany, at nearly twice the price.

I have 4 DVDs of Andre Rieu. This DVD is same as Live in Tuscany
Cortona. The Price was under US$20.00. I like most of the Program.

Both music and setting are divine. It really is like being in paradise!!!!!!!

As a rock and roll guy, I do not normally listen to classical music, no less violin, however, theis DVD blows me away ! Andre Rieu delicately blends power and sensitivity in his music that pulls you in and takes over all of your senses. This is the ultimate romantic gift whether it is for a wedding anniversary, a wedding present, Valentine's Day, whatever. Equal to the magic of the musice, the VIDEO work here is superb. Incredible camera angles and phenomenal editing capture the raw emotion and the pure energy that is transferred to the audience. Buy this DVD and you'll be treating yourself to one of the best live concert films ever.

MAGNIFICENT performance by Maestro Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra, in an open courtyard in Cortona, Italy. Andre connects in such a warm and friendly way to each person in his audience, his Italian is SUPERB, and his new material is a special treat to behold. EXCELLENT, SUPERB, WONDERFUL Concert!

I must admit I purchased this DVD two days after attending a live concert. And it is the best way to experience again the feelings you go through when you attend an Andre Rieu concert. You will sing, you will laugh, you will feel to dance and yes, you will even cry. I have a hard time to find the words to describe properly such a masterpiece. I highly recommend it. Images are out of this world. And the songs.... Incredible. You will discover rapidly that Andre offers you more than a concrt. It is a real party. It is a must for even the most demanding music lover.