Those who have enjoyed this program on PBS need only be told that it is available on home video. André Rieu is a master of light classical music, and here he is at his best. The program was taped live, outdoors in the Piazza de la Republica in the Italian cty of Cortona. Rieu addresses the audience in fluent but sometimes charmingly awkward Italian, with English subtitles. From the opening moments he has the vast crowd in the palm of his hand. They whistle for him in "Chanson d'amour," clap in unison for the "Toreador Song" from Carmen, the "Radetzky" march, and the galloping finales of the William Tell and Light Cavalry overtures, and sing along in "La donna e mobile," the drinking song from La traviata, and, most movingly, the Italian national anthem and "Va pensiero," which is almost a national anthem.
The music is basic classical top-40, with an emphasis on opera and a lot of Italian music, including "The Carnival of Venice" and the Grand March from Aida. The performances are full of energy and technically skilled. Rieu conducts, plays his violin, and generously shares the spotlight, notably with soprano Carmen Monarca, mezzo-soprano Carla Malfioletti, and several singing and dancing young ladies who might have stepped out of a Botticelli painting. Visuals include, besides the concert, a charming Tuscan landscape and a ride in a Venetian gondola. --Joe McLellan
More Albums by Various Artists
Various Artists "Andre Rieu in Wonderland (incl bonus CD)"
$15.50NEW
PBS' #1 musical star presents a magical new special that grandparents and grandchildren can share together! André Rieu takes viewers to a land of fairies, elves, princesses and knights, where everyone lives happily ever after! André Rieu In Wonderland features enchanting melodies recorded at Efteling, one of the world s most beautiful fairy-tale theme parks. This musical extravaganza is performed by Rieu, his Johann Strauss Orchestra and choir, fantastic soloists from the Ballet of The Vienna State Opera, The International Dance Theatre, and The Berlin Folk-Music Sparrows. The film features the live staged event and includes cut-aways to scenes from the world s most beloved fairy-tales, complete with famous costumed characters!
The special includes 27 musical numbers culled from the greatest melodies ever written, including "Heigh-Ho!", "The Impossible Dream," "Tara's Theme (Gone With The Wind)," "Some Day My Prince Will Come," "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," "What A Wonderful World," and many, many more!
Also included is a 5-track Bonus Audio CD with music from several other great André Rieu specials!
Music from "André Rieu in Wonderland" is also available separately on CD.
Various Artists "Andre Rieu: Radio City Hall Live in New York (2007)"
$11.89
Part one 1. Carmen Overture 2. Aviator's March 3. You're Worth Your Weight in Gold 4. Song of Vilja 5. Today is the Most Beuatiful Day (Heut' ist der schönste Tag) 6. Oh, I have in My Heart (Ach Ich Hab in Meinem Herzen) 7. Concierto d'Aranjuez 8. Swinging bells of Limburg 9. Funiculi Funicula 10. The White Horse Inn 11. Second Waltz 12. Chianti Song 13. Maastricht Anthem Part Two 1. Radetsky March 2. Whether Blond or Brunette, We Love Them All (Ob Blond, Ob Braun) 3. I Could Have Danced All Night from My Fair Lady 4. With a Little Bit of Luck from My Fair Lady 5. Juliska from Budapest 6. Memories from Cats 7. A Bright Young Man - Medley 8. Toselli Serenade (Nightingale Serenade) 9. Libiamo 10. La Donna è Mobile - Medley 11. Auld Lang Syne 12. Ode to Maastricht 13. Lullaby 14. Entry March 15. Maastricht, City of Jolly Singers Bonus Features: songs - My Father's Favorite, Halleluja, Milord. specials - 'Limbourgeois' (behind the scenes TV special), Two Weeks in Two Minutes
