Andre Rieu in Vancouver B C
Who: Andre Rieu At some point, Andre Rieu probably had to choose between fine art and populism; that is, to pursue serious classical music or become a pop artist. He chose populism — or, did populism choose him? In performing, did he note to what an audience most responded, what made them happiest? Did he refine and tune his repertoire until he became Andre Rieu, the new King of the Waltz? If his goal always was to entertain then he chose wisely — or was the appropriate chosen one. He is an entertainer and seems to enjoy himself, giving to a mass of people the kinds of sentimental music for which they often are ignored and overlooked, and for which many others look down their nose. In giving people what they want, Rieu has become showbiz conscious. His show is full of light-hearted gimmickry and tongue-in-cheek touches such as his Happy Birthday gift to Uncle Harry, a soprano carried on to the stage as a Raggedy Ann doll. Rieu raised an eyebrow and was just a move away from swapping his violin for Victor Borge's piano and jokes. Fronting Johann Strauss orchestra, whose women were dressed in gowns that harked to centuries before, Rieu is kind of like the leader of the world's largest frat band, playing the "Louie Louie" or "Smoke on the Water" of their day, and whose greatest pleasure is to see people dancing and enjoying themselves. Rieu is having fun mixing light, lively classical fare such as the inevitable "Blue Danube" waltz with pop schlagers such as "I Could Have Danced All Night." His aim is low, but his aim is true.
Jemal Countess Getty Images
Where: GM Place
When: June 12
Grade: C+
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What do Andre Rieu Fans think of this article? Do you have something to say to this "writter"? Let's tell them what we feel !
Categories: Articles-Interviews, 1 CONCERTS
Tags: Andre Rieu Concerts
I'm about ready to leave for an André Rieu concert. I am very excited and happy. But I had to take a moment and write something.
I see the "grade" this critic has given André, and in turn I must grade this writer, a definite "F"...for failure to see the positive, beautiful, exciting and of course musical André Rieu, the way so many see him.
I must ask WHY do all of you "negative" critics feel the need to criticize something you personally do not like in music?
WHY can you not see beauty and peace in life? WHY shouldn't André Rieu give people what they want?? WHY shouldn't he make people happy??
WHY is it so hard to understand why so many people love and enjoy this man, André Rieu, for what he GIVES to people and life?
Can you not understand that just because you don't care for André's style, it does not mean that all people should not care for it?
André Rieu had gotten more people out of the dungeon-type music, straight faced, unhappy, serious style that is so common with "classical" music lovers. I agree with André that music should make you happy!! Music is a gift we all should be enjoying...music makes life beautiful, it heals and makes you feel at peace.
If I were this "writer/critic" I would be ashamed to say that people "look down their nose" at the style and choice of music for which we enjoy so much, played by André Rieu...does this "critic" not know that every human being on this planet is entitled to their own opinion, and likes, dislikes and choices in music?
Whomever this "critic" is, I would suggest you criticize something else in this world, such as war, hate, jealousy, distrust and unrest, and leave the beautiful things in life alone.
It's so sad that this "critic" cannot enjoy something so beautiful as an André Rieu concert. Life would be so much more beautiful.
Mr. Critic...YOU"RE the one with a low aim!
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Well said Marlene! I am wondering how you managed such a nice comment when I know that all you can do today is breathe in and breathe out! Have a great time my sweet friend.!! Hugs
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I agree whith you Marlene...as a child I was taught that if you cant say something nice about a person then dont say anything at all......a great lesson to learn and one that this person should start practicing.....however this crit will not affect Andre's fans....for us he has brought beauty and laughter into our lives and I am sure that we all appreciate him and the JSO for that.
Hugs to Marlene & Jeaninie
from Joy
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I do not find his critic offensive at all.
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Critics come & critics go, I pay them no mind. If I took them seriously I would have missed a great deal. In the end, whose name will we remember, Andre's or the critic's?
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Shirley you gave me an idea for a poem:
critics come and critics go
sometimes its Yes! sometimes its No
with nonsense words they make a fuss
and some may even bother us.
but in the end we know what's best
to us the person passed the test
and that is all we need to know
its love that's putting on the show.
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Good poem Jeanine Ann!
I just would love that people would see the good in life, refuse to see the negative.
It was asked above "What do André Rieu Fans think of this article? Do you have something to say to this "writer"?"
I gave my "opinion".
All I wish to say is that wouldn't it be great if "critics" would say positive things instead of saying the negative.
I know that some people love "negative" words about anything and everyone...but life is too short for that. I truly believe that as long as we can only see the negative in life, we are never going to grow and learn about love and peace and happiness.
André has so much life, happiness and beautiful music.
When I watched him tonight at the concert, I saw a sensitive man who loves music and peace, who believes that the whole world can live in peace, and enjoy beautiful music too! The more happiness and joy people show him from the audience, through their participation, the better it is.
I cannot see where any critic could ask for anything more.
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This is a very good poem Jeanine Ann. It pretty well says it all.One thing I would add about this critic's comments,I strongly disagree about the "aiming low" part. But that's just my own opinion. Many of you have said it much better than I. Thanks for the poem.
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A few comments: Andre Rieu knows what he what he can do well and does it. It takes a lot of skill to know your audience and refine your performance to their tastes. Millions of people like what he does, and yes he is having fun and so is the audience. That is the whole point here. One must aim very high to achieve all of this, so for that comment and the silly grade, the critic missed the point. Everyone is entitled to an opinion, but that does not mean their thinking is correct. PS If his intent was to criticize the "showbiz" aspect, then he really just did not "get it". I went to the concert in Minneapolis EXPECTING a "show" and I was thrilled with the "show" that was deliverd.
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As an Aussie fan of Andre and the JSO, I have been puzzling over the amount of criticism levelled at such a talented musician, and this article reflects the attitudes of many of the critics. This one seems to be admiring and also disparaging at the same time, but surely an evaluation should only be of the show viewed at the time, and not of Andre as a musician.
I wonder if any of these critics have bothered to listen to some of his recordings and arrangements of Bach, Mozart, Chopin and Albinoni. Over the years I have acquired many varied CDs of these works but those of Andre Rieu give most listening pleasure.
I am sure many of his fans appreciate choral, orchestral and operatic performances of all types, but can also find the JSO's concerts, live and on DVD most entertaining and enjoyable - great, talented musicians, one and all, led by a violinist and conductor who takes his classical training and repertoire very seriously indeed. Viva Andre!
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The offense here is in the ridiculous C+ grade that the critic gave Andre and his orchestra and singers.
Even worse, he never even attempted in any of his comments to actually grade the technical quality of either the music or other singers. What sort of music critic fails to do that?
These folks are among the most talented and dedicated musicians and singers in the entire world. Their performances are technically outstanding in their quality.
But simply because Andre Rieu selects the most popular and well liked music, and has some fun during the performances, this critic marginalizes him. I guess that in his twisted viewpoint, music should never ever be fun and make one laugh, and people should be forced to listen to boring music that does not stir any passion in them.
His attack on the "Happy Birthday to Uncle Harry" segment was just one glaring example of how incompetent and biased he is. Heck, he never had the courtesy to even mention Carla Moffioletti's name, let alone comment on her wonderful voice and technical excellence of her singing. Her physical performance on stage pretending to be the wind-up toy was also impressive. I wonder if he could keep his body perfectly straight and looking like a wooden toy, while someone carried him like a log into an arena?
Clearly, this is one critic that is out of touch with society, and is living in his own world.
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hi everyone i was really excited about the concert in vancouver, and the backstage meet and greet, everyone was warm and friendly, like i was meeting friends, new ones. Andre was at his best and fans that saw him for the first time were really surprised at how close they could get to the stage. some want me to start a fan club up here in Canada, i have some names on a list.
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Another comment from "the land down under". Thanks for the poem Jeanine and I have been mulling over the remarks of the critic regarding the Raggedy Ann Doll. What qualifications has this fellow got? Olympia, sung by Carla Mafioletti is a mechanical doll from Offenbach's opera 'The Tales of Hoffman' or doesn't opera come into this particular critic's sphere? Hardly 'Raggedy Ann', and Carla handles this difficult aria with great aplomb and is a tribute to her operatic expertise. Andre certainly offers great musical talent to his audiences, something which is not readily acknowledged by most critics. Thanks for the opportunity to express my views. Trish
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Excellent point Trish! I wondered what he meant by Raggedy Ann. Since I was not at this concert I wasn't sure what he referred to but now I understand.
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the critizms put at andre' and everyone else is not called for. andre' is so talented, i do not like this kind article.elaine burch.
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I am not sure what audience this critic is making his comments to. He is using standards that neither André nor his fans accept. They are looking for different musical standards from those the critic is using. Therefore, the critic's critique is really irrelevant as far as Ancré and his fans are concerned. We love what André has to offer and The critic's comments aren't relevant. I don't think he will ever be able to understand why in spite of our trying to convince him. Go André!
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I give this critic an F for his negative article because he must have a C- attitude. Critics like this only thrive on the negative and hope to change our attitudes from positive to negative but as far as Andre's MILLION'S of fans that will never happen. So SHAME on you. Andre laughs at your article all the way to the bank & so do his fans. HA, HA.
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This critc is like all the rest of the critics in the world: they still don't get it! Andre makes people happy with music most people in the world can relate to! Who wants to get up and dance to depressing type music! not me!nor does anybody else I know. As for critics-they are a dime a dozen-but there is only one Golden Andre Rieu-now isn't there. When this so called critic passes from the scene-no one will remember his name, but they will remember Andre Rieu's name now won't they? Just like the thy remember who Johann Stause was. As for the "Doll" And the song Olympia-my grand daughter love it and just thought Carla was just hilarious to say the least! Mirusia Louwerse rendition of "Time To Say Goodbye" was just outstaning-sent chills up your spine-WOW! My son Thought it was better than Andre Bochelle's version. Andre has great talent in this Orchestra-Period . The bottom line is: if ain't broke-don't fix it!!! P.S.-This
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I was wondering, where was the critic's article published? If it was in a newspaper, we as fans should be writing letters to the editor so that the critic's opinion is not the only one that people read. We all know how unfair the article is, but what about those out there that do not know?
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Thank you Miss Betty L., Yes-all of Andre's Loyalist would like to fight unfounded criticism. This the kind of long nose snobbery--those who look down there noses at people really having fun. Who doesn't enjoy letting there hair down and acting like a kid once in a while, Johann Strauss did during his day-now didn't he? This is the type of A critical attitude that is the opposite of joy, the type of joy that Andre Rieu exudes! Hey Miss Jeanne Ann--The Moderator, do you know the papers name? It's probely is in Vancouver,B.C,Canada I would imagine. Maybe if the paper is swamped with rebuttal's they'll get the point. Kyle S.
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