André Rieu The emotional journey of the King of Waltz!
André Rieu loves playing waltzes because they evoke so many different emotions – both in the audience and in him
The Dutch violinist has brought joy to millions around the world with his intoxicating blend of music and showmanship. Regularly performing to over 700,000 people around the world each year, André admits he loves “doing his thing” in front of a live audience.
“The thing I love most is the endless stream of energy I get while I play my favourite piece of music, especially waltzes. And seeing all those happy faces all around the world makes me proud.”
He’s performed on many thousands of occasions but one particular concert stands out in his mind. “It was during the break of a soccer match in 1995. Amsterdam soccer club Ajax played Bayern Munich and I said if Ajax was in the lead in the first half I would play in the centre of the field. Well they did, so I played in front of 60,000 singing and cheering football fanatics. They went crazy, all of them! Ajax went on to win, too.”
Having played his violin from the age of five, André credits his parents for nurturing his love of music.
“I was born into a very musical family. My father was a symphony and orchestra conductor and we all play at least one instrument. My mother decided violin was the most suitable instrument for me and she was right; I owe her so much. I can’t think of any other instrument that is able to translate my feelings better than this one does.” André’s Stradivarius, said to be worth millions, is almost as famous as the maestro himself. “It dates from 1732 and is one of the last instruments the Italian master made. I consider it a huge privilege to be the proud owner of one of his ‘pieces of art’.
“The Stradivarius string instruments (he made both violins and cellos) bring forward a unique warm sound and despite numerous scientific studies, nobody can tell exactly the cause of this wonderful sound. I think it is the combination of a special kind of wood, the lacquer, and the love he felt for the instrument he was making. Just like a painter, he was an artist who put his love and soul in all the things he made.”
Most famous for playing beautiful waltzes, he says they spark many happy memories.
“There is no other composition able to contain all kinds of emotions within a few minutes – happiness, joy, sadness, melancholy… you name it. One of the first waltzes I ever heard is also one of the most astonishing ones – Franz Lehar’s Goldand Silver. A musical jewel!
“I also remember when I was a child seeing my father perform a Johann Strauss waltz. The people in the audience got a smile on their faces and started to move a little bit in their chairs. A waltz always makes people smile and move happily.”
André believes that music can have a profound effect on people and the way they react to situations in life.
“Music is so important. The whole world would be a different place if we were all to play an instrument instead of picking up a weapon. Make music, not war!
“I can’t think of another instrument able to translate my feelings better”
“Music takes care of a particular sense of harmony, it makes people happier. Music doesn’t need words to be understood. I couldn’t think of a life without it.”
He’s sold over 40 million CDs, his tours outselling superstars like Beyonce and Fleetwood Mac. Why do people make such a powerful connection with his music?
“I think people sense that we play with our whole heart; nothing is fake and all the emotions you see during a concert are real. And the audience are allowed to show all their emotions, too. When you feel like laughing, please do! When you feel like crying, let those tears come.
“All people react in a different way to music. It’s a form of art that goes to your heart immediately.”