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André Rieu's Top 10 Waltzes of all time
We asked the Dutch King of the Waltz what his ten favourite waltzes were, and he was only too happy to tell us! Get your dancing shoes on and join us as we explore them…
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1. Johann Strauss II - An der schönen blauen Donau
More popularly known in this country by its English name, 'By The Beautiful Blue Danube', this is classic waltz territory. It's also something of an Austrian anthem, thanks partly to its inclusion in the annual New Year's Day concerts in Vienna. And André's performances too, of course.
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2. Dmitri Shostakovich - Waltz No. 2
Ooh, unexpected saxophone solo! It's not traditional Viennese waltz instrumentation, but the Shostakovich Waltz No. 2 (taken from his second Jazz Suite) is another staple both in the waltz repertoire and in André's live show.
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3. Johann Strauss II - Kaiser-Walzer
It was originally composed to mark a toast made by Emperor Franz Josef of Austria when he visited Kaiser Wilhelm II in Germany, but the Kaiser-Walzer was given its name so that it could be performed for either monarch - a neat little diplomatic trick.
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4. Johann Strauss II - Wiener Blut
Another Strauss classic, the Vienna Blood waltz was the first Strauss waltz ever performed by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. Since then, countless performers have made it their own - but none quite like André Rieu, obviously. Picture: Andy Squire
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5. Johann Strauss II - Rosen aus dem Süden
Translating into English as 'Roses from the South', this rather more thoughtful and contemplative waltz shows just how much variety there is in the waltz as a genre. It's not wonder it's one of André's favourites - it often serves as a counterpoint to the more energetic numbers in his show.
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6. Josef Strauss - Sphärenklänge
The brother of André's great hero Johann Strauss II, Josef shows that waltzing really was a family tradition.
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7. Josef Strauss - Dorfschwalben aus Österreich
Josef Strauss strikes again, this time with a reflective and birdsong-like series of melodies - as well as bird sound effects! Definitely one of the lighter moments in André's set.
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8. Franz Lehár - Gold und Silber
After a moody intro and a colossal upbeat, this smooth waltz delicately works its charms. And then with the help of some equally delicate snare drumming, the Gold and Silver waltz really takes off.
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9. Franz Lehár - Lippen schweigen
Taken from Lehár's operetta The Merry Widow (the title translates as 'Lips Stay Silent'), this typically tuneful number usually sees André joined on stage by a host of opera singers.
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10. Emmerich Kálmán - Tanzen möcht' ich, jauchzen möcht' ich
This is another waltz taken from an operetta, this time from The Gypsy Princess by Emmerich Kálmán. It's been made into a film several times, but André Rieu's live version is every bit as spectacular.
