André Rieu Classical Casanova
The "c" stands for "classical".
But it also, according to Rieu's critics, can represent crass, commercial and common – themselves from.everything that classical music and its aficionados have, in the past, sought to separate
Rieu may not have the technical expertise of, say, the late and great violinist Yehudi Menuhin but, like Menuhin, he knows how to move classical music out of its "high" culture origins and reach a broader audience. And herein lies his attraction and, some might argue, his downfall.
In attempting to reconcile mass appeal with what was formally reserved for the educated and upper classes, Rieu has thrown down a challenge to orthodox music lovers by including the more excessive elements of popular culture and theatrical spectacle.
Audiences can't get enough of the man who has been described as everything from the "rock star" of classical music to the "master of schmaltz".
Aware of the power of mass marketing, over-the-top display and the alluring combination of the lilting strains of well-known operettas, waltzes and composers along with local ballads and an "Australiana" section as part of his show, the marriage of the violinist with contemporary corporate practice is a solid one. If sales of his DVDs, CDs, never mind tickets to his concerts are anything to go by, it's a match made in commercial heaven.
Tonight, at Suncorp stadium, Queenslanders will get to see what all the hype and sensationalism surrounding the extrovert with the entrepreneurial eye is about. Promised no less than the recreation of the Emperor Franz Joseph's and Empress Sisi's castle in Austria, Schonbrunn Palace, 36 horses, two ice-skating rinks, 80 debutantes from Vienna, soloists, chandeliers, bejewelled ball gowns, carriages and the Dutch heartthrob himself, there's no doubt that Rieu understands that in this era of excess, audiences expect a great deal of bling for their buck.
Only, when the thrill of the bang becomes an explosion, there's a risk of ruining the magic and allowing disenchantment to set in. Expectation can be a cruel thing – high expectations can be worse.
The Greek myths are full of warnings about hubris – overweening pride – and what happens to those who are pretentious about their accomplishments or don't know when to stop. Great warriors unexpectedly fall in battle, apparent immortals find their Achilles' heel, cities crumble to dust and a celebrity chef's infidelities spoil the family broth.
There are those waiting backstage primed to clip this musical Icarus's wings. Once an artist reaches the dizzying heights of success and in such a brief space of time, this type of negative scrutiny is, to a degree, inevitable.
Critics such as Richard Tognetti, artistic director of the Australian Chamber Orchestra, have referred to his music as "schlagermusik". This is a term used to describe overly sentimental pop ballads such as those associated with the Eurovision Song Contest. Tognetti, like many others, is probably uncomfortable with the blending of high and low culture that Rieu's act invites, of Strauss meeting Waltzing Matilda, or the Bolero being played alongside the theme from Neighbours and Bananas in Pyjamas.
Yet it's this convergence of classical pomp with local sing-a-long that Rieu encourages and which audiences adore.
In this sense it's easy to understand Rieu's appeal. Crowds adulate him for not only bringing the joy of a different kind of music into their lives, but for managing to connect them, through one fell sweep of the bow of his 1667 Stradivarius, with the pleasures of a different oeuvre and even, dare I say, allowing them to pass as a different class for a few brief hours.
In other words, Rieu presents an elaborate fantasy, elevating his audience out of their familiar economic, social and imaginative spaces and into a romantic and overblown Disney-esque vision of an anachronistic Europe. There's no violence, no sex, only dancing, singing and pure musical hedonism along with the joy of escapism.
What Rieu is doing is laudable on so many levels. Turning classical music into mass entertainment, demystifying high culture and transforming the role of conductor and musician into popular superstar do no harm and can bring much happiness.
But, like all legends, the spectre of hubris lives on. Critic Eamonn Kelly, referring to the Melbourne leg of Rieu's tour, described the concert as "death by stadium".
Likewise, Rieu's forthcoming guest appearance on Neighbours also raises concerns about over-exposure. It's fine for him to bring a bit of pop culture to classical music, but he should be cautious about allowing the inverse to occur.
As long as Rieu keeps the hordes happy and maintains a sense of personal balance (his idea of proportion being lost somewhere in his massive set), his reign as the Casanova of classical music will continue. But, like his famous chef counterpart, Rieu needs to ensure that his dream to put the "culture" back into popular, doesn't become both a private and public nightmare.
Dr Karen Brooks is an associate professor of media studies at Southern Cross University.
How sad the writer of this commentary appears to be. Dr Karen Brooks seems happy to distinguish among the classes of people. Class distinction, social and economics distinction is wrong. We are all human beings and entitled to enjoy what is pleasurable to us without being denegrated in such a way. May I suggest that there is much snobbery attached to music. In the world in which we all live Andre Rieu is promoting only good. We certainly need much more of this.
I agree with you but I'm not surprised as this particular reporter has a history of stories like these. It's very sad.
hey - at least they got the title correct.
I think the press, especially in my country, are over-analyzing the whole thing. Andre plays music - he entertains. It's the reason people trek thousands of kilometers to have an experience with him and his crew. His success is part music, part charisma but mostly its due to the desperate want of people to have a good time.
If he'd been brought up by different parents - he'd probably be a rock star. LOL
elly
Moderator Prudence & I were talking about this article earlier today. Seems the "media studies professor" wants some of Andre's spotlight.
It must burn her to sit around being grumpy wishing someone would want to see her work, when Andre is wanted around the world. So, Karen fancies herself a music critic. ha. A dime a dozen, and at that, you've overpaid.
Andre himself said it best..Show me any Park with a Statue to a Music Critic.
(they know their worth, or lack thereof)
Andre shares his passion and what is in his heart with his Fans. Andre Rieu & the JSO make beautiful music.
Nothing else really need be said.
I think that critic's of all arts forget that they're allowed to enjoy things from time to time - 'critiquing' does not mean that you have to be displeased with the world. *shakes head* give me music any day!
A very interesting take on Andre's success and performance. The article sounded very like one of my essays I wrote while at university, not based on any real experience, and not a real understanding of what makes people tick. Andre himself said about bringing 'Vienna' to Australia, that "things have got a bit out of hand". Have the critics really listened to any of the music he has performed over the past 15 years?
As a lover of classical music for many decades, I find his arrangements far more pleasing than many I have listened to on CD or in a concert hall. They show a great sensitivity for a particular composer's work, and his orchestra plays them accordingly and with great joy and enthusiasm. As for class,this is Australia and the person with the greatest knowledge of classical music I know, is my plumber.
I must say I am looking forward to next year's more intimate concerts, and I agree with Sally that Andre Rieu and the JSO make beautiful music, bringing much joy into many lives.
Trish
Hi Sheila, It wouldn't be matey! would it? Anyway, what kind of life experience does one require, A Doctors degree in classical music? Andre Has a degree in classical music, played in a classical orchestra, and left it to play music "His Way", you know like frank Sinatra did="His Way", My experience is :life itself! I have been through the "Vietnam war era", I have seen "ugly human nature" in action little lady! I have been to allot Classical music concerts, including Rock-in-roll concerts over the years. Rock concerts are the worst in my opinion, with the drugs and sometimes open sex, and they made my sick, does that count for experience, we need to be careful in how we evaluate other people. Andre tries to bring the best enjoyable music to all ages and groups of people worldwide. there is nothing wrong with making money while your at it. And if people want to criticize Andre for that, they don't have to go and see his shows do they? I do know what makes people tick Senorita-how about working with mentally ill people like I have, I am pretty good at evaluating human nature, I have been to college darling. I could go on and on-but why bother! You people "Down Under" enjoy Andre Rieu, and his "Johann Strauss Orchestra" and forget all the critiques, Like my my little Kayla says: Hey! as we are trekking on down the highway! Put on Andre, I want to here Suzan Erens sing :"Over The Rainbow", Kayla is 11 yrs. old by the way, Andre brings love to my little girl-and that's all that counts isn't it? Anyway I love the Aussi accent, I think it's cool! Well enough said. I send best wishes to all of you southners "Down Under" and GOD bless. Kyle USA
This Karen just doesn't get it! I have been to three Andre Rieu concerts now in the United states so far, and have many of his CD'S and DVD'S and loved every one of them, and will be going again to another one of Andre's concerts this spring-God willing. Andre brings culture and love along with romance to a culture less world to say the least. Andre started out entertaining at nursing homes in the Netherlands. Andre saw the smiles and love he brought to these sometimes forgotten people. You can feel the love and warmth in his music, the pure joy; Andre plays from the heart. To me-heavy classical music is depressing boring and un-insperational with there sober faces, as a result when I go home I have to take a anti-depresent to recover! Let me tell you I have heard it all-from Rap to Heavy metal to Hip-hop to gyrating Madona female types up on stage with what they call singing; Andre has quality singers and dancers, you name it-Andre has it, and let me tell you the Europeans are not tired of what Andre does yet! He has been doing it for over there in Europe for over ten or fifteen years now-it is just that his concerts are growing and I love it! This is a ugly world we live in; There is nothing ugly about what Andre does, only beautiful music, along with colorful costumes, with musicians that seem to be thrilled to be playing in Andre Rieu's orchestra. You know the song:"Be Happy-Dont Worry" That's Andre! As far as critics go, Andre's type of music will be around long after they are no longer remembered, critic who? What love have critics brought to this loveless world or nursing homes or the to average persons life? Long live Andre's music, Andre Rieu himself, and also the people that love what Andre does! Kyle Sandvik USA
Kyle, I couldn't agree with you more.Critics, or purists, or elitist, whatever they are called,cannot deny one fact,the people love Andre Rieu and his music.That "they" cannot put him in a box, that he does not follow their standard, is what ticks them off.He just goes on and does his own thing. Let the critics shake their heads and show their disapproval,who is more popular, Andre or them? The only kind of criticism I believe in is constructive, if it helps someone, ok, if it is destructive then keep quite!
Very Well Said Kyle!
I cannot listen to music that is too 'heavy'. I find it depressing.
Andre's music is soothing and positive.
HI KYLE, I DO AGREE WITH YOU WITH MY WHOLE HEART. ANDRE IS A BEAUTIFUL HUMAN BEING, HAVE A DEEP SOUL, WITH GREAT FEELINGS TOWARD HUMAN KIND. THE MOST BEAUTIFUL IS TO GO TAKE YOUR TIME AND TRY TO MAKE OLDER PEOPLE SMILE, MOVE AROUND ON HIS MUSIC, FORGET ABOUT THE PAINS THAT COMES WITH OLD AGE. BE HAPPY EVEN FOR JUST A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. THIS MEANS MORE TO ME THAN ANYTHING ELSE.
dear Karen,have you hit a freeway median. you are not worth calling you dr.you are suppose to heal not hurt.have you even sat down with andre and see what he is like.he cares about people he is reaching out to south africa trying to help in the peace process.you should think before you leap because you might end up in a lions cage.I will be going to his concert in june and I will enjoy it.you people that make remarks like that aught to be tarred and feathered.love from an andre rieu fan constance