André Rieu – The Second Waltz (Shostakovich)

André Rieu - The Second Waltz

“We should make decisions in life with our hearts, not our brains. Not only in music, but in daily life.” — André Rieu

Who says classical music for the elite people?

In this brilliant performance of “the Second Waltz” by Andre Rieu the Dutch violinist, with the members of his “Johann Strauss Orchestra”, flocks of audience are gathering together joining hands, dancing cheerfully in the aisles according to the rhythm as soon as that famous saxophone solo kicks in… It challenges anybody not to sing along! As a result of this performance, Rieu became known as the Waltz King.

The Johann Strauss Orchestra was founded by André Rieu in 1987. The orchestra began with only twelve members, but now there are 50, sometimes even 60 on very large stages. They usually performs classical music in a non-traditional manner.

Andre rieu says: “We are practically married, my orchestra and me. I can’t do without them, and they can’t do without me. When we travel, we really have an incredible amount of fun together. if you can’t live together in joy and harmony, how can you expect to give beautiful concerts?”

Shostakovich’s Second Waltz

This powerful waltz is staple in the waltz repertoire, was composed by Russian composer and pianist Dmitri Shostakovich (one of the most celebrated composers of the 20th century) as a soundtrack to the film “The First Echelon“.

Shostakovich’s music has immense emotive power, He was also heavily influenced by the neo-classical style pioneered by Igor Stravinsky, and (especially in his symphonies) by the post-Romanticism associated with Gustav Mahler.

Shostakovich was A highly politicized figure during his lifetime, In his last years, he turned increasingly from large-scale “public” works to music of confessional intimacy, concentrating on the genre of string quartet and vocal music.

Also listen A wonderful adaptation song “Come Waltz With Me” on Shostakovich’s “Waltz No. 2”, 

 




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