CD REVIEW - ANDRÉ RIEU
The Sound of Heaven
Andre Rieu Productions 7444754897814 [CD 60’ + DVD 52’]

This is the long anticipated annual release by the marvellous Maastricht maestro, his famed Johann Strauss Orchestra and a 19-voice Choir. They have a huge following witnessed by their sell-out concert performances around the globe, shown on the Sky Arts TV channel.

The opening number is a beautiful rendering of Nearer my God to Thee with orchestra, choir (used throughout the album) and The Vrijthof Brass Players (also to be heard on Panis Angelicus). This, for me, is quite moving and the highlight of the album.

Among the other 14 compelling tracks are Giacomo Puccini's Humming Chorus, Andrew Lloyd Webber's Music of the Night and Pie Jesu, Charles Gounod's and Karl Jenkin's Benedictus, the latter featuring JSO cellist since 1997, Tanja Derwahl (the smiley lady seen on TV), Richard Rodgers' Morning Hymn from 'Sound of Music', Leonard Bernstein's One Hand, One Heart from 'West Side Story' and a speedy version of Hallelujah – although I have read that's how Handel liked it.

A new piece to me, Hijo de la Luna, and John Williams' Across the Stars feature the premier pan pipe player Michel Tiabosco. Also featured are sopranos Micaëla Oeste and Anna Majchzak, and The Platin Tenors, Serge Bosch now being the third man.

Together with the album is a 52-minute bonus DVD of another nine numbers beginning with You Raise me up and ending with My Heart Will go on. The Maastricht Dance Company are involved in Maurice Jarre's Lara's Theme. Standouts for me are Ballade pour Adeline featuring pianist Stéphanie Detry, who was with Rieu for 23 years initially as a violinist, and Plaisir d'Amour featuring two of his very best sopranos, Carmen Monarcha from Brazil and Merusia Louwerse from Australia.

I have been looking forward to this album for Rieu never disappoints, so am delighted to recommend it "one hundred percent", to use that currently oft heard expression.

© Peter Burt, December 2024