André Rieu Makes Memorable First Appearance At Arena
Photos courtesy of Jeanine Ann(c)Rieu makes memorable first appearance at arena
BY ALEXANDER CHOMAN
CITIZENS’ VOICE MUSIC CRITIC
WILKES-BARRE TWP. — Dutch violinist and conductor Andre Rieu made his first trip to Wachovia Arena at Casey Plaza a memorable one Friday evening, stopping as part of his 30th anniversary tour with the Johann Strauss Orchestra before an audience of 4,375.
A native of Maastricht in the Netherlands, Rieu is largely held as responsible for the revival of the famed waltz synonymous with the Johann Strauss. Reiu has taken an art form that to some is either too highbrow or completely complicated and made it more accessible.
Rieu paints musical landscapes through his music, combining its presentation with an irresistible charm that draws in the genre’s harshest critic. The show is an exercise in elegance. Women are dressed in full-length, flowing gowns while men are decked out in meticulous tuxedoes, all lending to the ambiance Rieu creates.
Reiu’s playlist of waltzes, polkas and show tunes magically captured the audience from his grandiose entrance to the arena through the evening’s final notes. Arias from various operas to operettas to a collage of show tunes, Reiu captured the imagination of his concertgoers. Reiu’s sentimental journey down life’s highway with music as the guidepost makes for a truly enjoyable ride.
Rieu’s playlist at Wachovia Arena included the title theme song from “Titanic,” Mozart’s “Adagio from Violin Concerto No. 3” and “Vienna, the City of My Dreams.” Everything he touched Friday evening turned to gold and received warm and generous applause from the audience.
Andre Rieu’s performances are an excercise in musicianship and elegance. Unlike many of today’s concert productions, there is heavy reliance on technical wizardry, vocal enhancement and yes, even some little help along the way with digital reinforcement. Not only do you sense that is not afoot with Andre Rieu, you seem to find it unnecessary.
Rieu plays his Stradivarius and conducts from center stage for most of the evening. The platform was eloquently appointed with flowers, skirting and subdued lighting.
Rieu travels with 43 musicians on stage and five backing vocalists. A trio of tenors and sopranos share center stage with Rieu offering vocals.
Now this is a nice, positive review. If I had never before seen an Andre Rieu concert this would certainly make me want to.
Excellent, Alexander Choman. I like your phrase "paints musical landscapes". Thank you. And Jeanine Ann, thank you for sharing this with us.
Thank you Alexander Choman this was a very nice write-up. It sounds like it was a wonderful evening for everyone.
I'm sure you will share with us too, Jeanine Ann!
Thank you, ALEXANDER CHOMAN, for taking your time to give us the details of your concert going experience.
I have no doubt you will eagerly anticipate the opportunity to "report" on next years concert