Search - Andre Rieu :: Andre Rieu - Christmas Around the World

Rieu Latest Addition to Christmas Music

Timothy Kearney | Hull, MA United States | 11/11/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Andre Rieu is a beloved star in continental Europe and thanks to Public Television, he's become a household name in the United States as well. He seems to have a variety of fans from straight classical lovers to pop music lovers and all sorts of fans in between. The reason for his appeal is easy. He's a great musician and knows a thing or two about showmanship and it seems to have an appeal. He combines the world of classical music, opera, Broadway, and pop culture and comes up with an entertaining blend of music not all that unlike his idol, Johann Strauss who did similar musical tricks in his day.



For this Christmas season, we're treated to a second collection of holiday music in a compilation called CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD. Now if you're tempted to say, well I already have the first CD, why do I need this one? Well, for one thing, it's a different collection all together. The first CD THE CHRISTMAS I LOVE, it is entirely Rieu and his orchestra. For this second collection, it is primarily a vocal CD. As a matter of fact, the only completely orchestral piece is "The Star of Bethlehem" from the film BEN HUR. The arrangements are similar to other Rieu recordings. Some are straight classical, others have a swing beat, and others have a sound unique to Rieu. The tracks include familiar Christmas pieces such as "Silent Night" and "O Holy Night" "Ave Maria", classical favorites such as Handel's Hallelujah Chorus from THE MESSIAH, Geu Bambino, and the prayer from HANSEL AND GRETEL and pop favorites such as "Winter Wonderland" and "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.". Most of the arrangements work and his soloists do a wonderful job. While English is probably not the first language of the vocalists, the diction is good. Great attention is also given to making sure the sound is authentic. American carols sound American, German carols German, etc, so we don't feel as if it's just a title slapped on a recording. It is Christmas around the world. Most of the recording seems recorded in the studio but the last three tracks (14-16) are from a concert which will be obvious to the listener since we hear Rieu speak and hear the applause of the audience. These are the tracks with a choir known as "The Little Angels of Nagasaki." Judging from the applause, the audience seems to love these children.



My guess is that this will be a popular selection this holiday season and in the years to come. Since Rieu is true to tradition while having a contemporary appeal, Rieu's Christmas music could be regarded like the Christmas collections by the Boston Pops under the direction of Arthur Fielder and become as familiar as some of these classic arrangements.



Enjoy!!!

"

Deck the halls with boughs of holly

E. Anderson | 12/14/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I rarely buy Christmas music. I hear a lot it every where I go in public so why buy any? Well this year I have made a couple of exceptions. One being the Celtic Woman Christmas cd and the other Andre Rieu's "Christmas Around the World". Thanks to PBS and its annual pledge drive, I caught the latest Andre Rieu tv special and for once just fell in love with the music. Normally I don't really pay much attention to Andre's specials or his music but this was that rare occasion where the music just blew my mind away. A lot of the credit goes to the adorable Japanese children choir The Little Angels of Nagasaki who simply captured my heart. The other reason I bought "Christmas Around the World" was the gorgeous ballad "Slumber, MY Darling". I found the song to be emotionally moving. I also love "O Holy Night", one of my all time favorite Christmas caroles. Not everyone can sing this song correctly since it has some high notes. The only duds on this cd was "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and "Winter Wonderland", two songs that sounded flat as well as bland. Overall "Christmas Around the World" is a delightful album to listen to."

Enchanting!

Christine M Rappleyea | Catskill, NY United States | 12/13/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"First saw this performance on PBS and thought it to be absolutely charming! In turn, I quickly ordered the music CD. The "angel" sopranos are superb and at times their renditions are "hauntingly" beautiful. The only, drawback is a somewhat mediocre performance of Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer. The Soloist couldn't keep on key and was quite a bit off in tempo. Nevertheless, Rieu was in his usual fine form and the orchestra was brillant as always!



This CD is surely to become one of my more beloved Christmas CD's and I was glad I ordered it. Truly, a Christmas from around the world, with multi-lingual selections. All in all, not your typical Christmas CD."