Andre' Rieu : 100 years of Strauss
André Rieu's faithful legion of fans will be pleased to hear this tribute to Viennese composer and waltz king Johann Strauss. Rieu performs this music with polish and a glee that's simply infectious, even if he's a tad inaccurate. But that's OK; as his numerous appearances on public television reveal, Rieu's best at capturing the lively spirit of the music--not its subtle details. The livelyVienna Bloodsets this energetic waltz disc in motion; Josef Strauss'sOn Holidaykeeps a furious pace; and--of course--we end with a dramatic and lush reading ofThe Blue Danube. The Johann Strauss Orchestra performs these works with a light touch that conveys the elegance of these works nicely, though seasoned classical ears may want more drama in their music. For them, we recommend hearing Nikolaus Harnoncourt'sJohann Strauss in Berlindisc. The rest of us will be perfectly happy letting Rieu reveal the glories of the Viennese waltz.--Edward Garabedian