Jane Weathers - 10/22/2012

André Rieu has had a massive rise to fame in recent years, seemingly coming out of nowhere to worldwide recognition almost overnight.

His albums are always filled with popular songs, setting the mood wonderfully for evenings indoors, dinner parties, and other such gatherings.

I perhaps feel that his performances are not quite worthy of the fame that he has found with his music and his orchestra, with many other violinists around the world less well-known despite their virtuosity in talents.

Yet this is, of course, not something to hold against Rieu himself. After all, he cannot help that the world has embraced him.

And despite my slight reservations, if his music is helping to spread the popularity and the warm reception of music in countries around the world, that can only be a good thing, and hopefully pave the way for others like him to rise in the years to come.

On 'And the Waltz Goes On', Rieu has selected a number of brilliant songs, with The Music of the Night (from The Phantom of the Opera) being an obvious stand-out, and a personal favourite.

The collaboration with the great Hayley Westenra is also wonderful, along with the Valse Triste.

With such a grand selection of songs, and plenty of diversity, there is something here for everyone to enjoy.