UPDATE 5 p.m. 6/19: In response to my somewhat cheeky call for Rieu reviews, one commenter said:
"Mr. Munro, I suggest you go to an Andre Rieu concert. You will be amazed."
OK, I should have offered a little more background. Not only have I been to one Rieu concert, but I've been to TWO: one in Seattle that The Bee sent me to in 2006 for a preview profile of Rieu, and then his first appearance at the Save Mart. So, yes, I've done my Rieu duty. Not my thing. I don't begrudge the fun that his fans seem to have at his concerts, but the sticky-sweet, schmaltzy-slick approach to classical music that he takes -- beautiful themes pumped up to sugary heights performed by players that I suspect are selected as much for their happy stage presence and good looks as their playing ability -- wears a little thin.
ORIGINAL ENTRY 7 p.m. Thursday: I must have done something good in a past life, because I am NOT going to be at the Andre Rieu concert tonight at the Save Mart Center. But many thousands of people are, and I'd love to hear your thoughts on the waltz-er-mungous festivities. What color of taffeta gowns did the fetching young string players in the orchestra wear? Was there an act involving liederhosen? How glistening was Andre's hair? Did hundreds of couples make a bee-line to the stage area so they could hang out with the King of the Waltz? Post your recollections (and cell-phone pictures) in the comments section.
i wanna have a violin battle with andre rieu. something similar to what rappers do.
we play for pink slips of the violins.
...I'd pay good money to see a full on orchestra blow out a waltz version of Purple Haze...
I've never seen a symphony or any show like this before. The last show I saw at Save Mart was Motley Crue! But I have to say, my wife and I were pretty blown away. The level of talent on that stage was incredible, Andre was a pleasant and funny guy, and all the musicians looked like they were actually having a blast. Not what I expected at all. So even though it's not really our cup of tea, it was a really cool show.
I must say that I really respect the comments from Whiplash. Even though the Andre Rieu concerts are not his "cup of tea" he still gave a true and accurate comment which is refreshing in this day.
I have seen many of Andre's concerts and his talent and that of his orchestra is something to behold. He is a showman in every sense of the word and an incredible violinist. Mr. Munro I suggest you go to an Andre Rieu concert. You will be amazed. Thank you