If you are not a connoisseur of classical music (the Western variety, that is), Andre Rieu is probably a very good place to start. He's a bit like T20 to the world of Test Match cricket. Still, I shall confess (no doubt to the disgust of one reader of this blog who will, I am sure, elaborate at length in the comments on my folly) that I like to watch and listen to him. He is a classical violonist who performs grandly in large settings with female members of his orchestra in colourful attire and with, shall we say, a certain joie de vivre.
What he does often is to go to a country and perform one of its all time great songs, usually the unofficial national anthem of that country. The setting, the crowd, the mood, the effects never fail to bring a tear and thanks to the wonders of You Tube everybody can enjoy this in the privacy of your home. Even if the music is a bit strange, even if you aren't really interested in anything of this genre, watch these videos - on an autumn's evening, when the sun is low and there's perhaps a touch of rain, I guarantee that you'll be touched.
So, here is a taste of Israel, a whiff of Australia, a sound of Scotland, a hint of Greece , even one from the US and a touch of Brazil . And one which isn't from any country, but is still breathtaking. All courtesy Andre Rieu, and YouTube. So sit back, turn the volume up , and .........
Now, my dear Chinese friends, you know not what you are missing. Alas.
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14 comments:
oh classical musicna classroomla paadra music ilaya!!! saari aapicer...me the distance :)
@gils - Try it Gils; just a bit. Maybe just Hava Nagila - the Israeli folk song.
Ramesh--age had nothing to do with appreciation of classical music :) I loved almost all the pieces. 'touch of bazil' was 'la bamba' (as you probably know). I always play music when I paint and when i do my portraits.
You've given me some lovely links here.
Me likes me likes :)
Thanks!
Cheers
Preeti
Please excuse typos in previous comment :)
Was typed while listening to Andre rieu :)
@ Preeti - The age appropriate remark was done with tongue firmly in cheek !! Yes, took a little bit of journalistic licence with la bamba.
Since we are in the T20 realm of western classical, I prefer David Garrett - definitely more watchable ;)
I am reading this on a Monday morning, and as far as I could go back, this was the only Monday morning I must have been smiling and not just smiling, but pepped up!
I am totally a music lover! Any kind any style, any language! Moreover, live music is a different experience altogether, it gets under your skin. And I am going to refrain from writing any further because I am simply going to ramble on and on, once I start off on this!
@J -- Ah well, I always knew you dug young and handsome men :) :)
@Deepa - Wow - that is the sunniest comment ever. Glad you liked the pieces.
Oh Ramesh! So wonderful to listen to these links. I am completely touched. Incredibly soothing music, just kind of stuck to me... thank you so very much for putting them up here!
@Vishal - Glad that you liked it Vishal
travelling without lappy. finally managed to get to an internet centre just to catch up with this sunday post and wow what a post. while i could only hear some part of it owing to the slow connection here and waiting to get back and hear the full version, its amazing
what a breadth ramesh,you can write on anything - from angela merkel to andre rieu. i my admiration for you multiples with evey blog of yours!!
you are amazing
@Anon - I am blushing deep red ! Thanks for your very kind compliments. Now I am scratching my head as to who left the laptop at home ?????
boo hoo!! now i am feeling jealous of GILS. you always recognize his comments!!
just managed to listen to them properly. beautiful tunes these were indeed. i have heard some shades of these in some tamil songs - i guess we would have been inspired :-)
but very refreshing tunes. its like one of those tunes which you would imagine the movie way - lie down on a couch in front of fire place in a calm lone setting and play a beautiful tune on the background and float into a different world. your selection is amazing.
i guess, i necessarily need to sign my name and so i will do that ;-)
@Sandhya - Oh no ; I never associated you with forgetting to take anything - you are far too perfect for that !! Until realised that you are on holiday that is !! Hence the excusable (?) confusion !!!!!! Hope you had a great holiday
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