André Rieu: Royal Dreams - Best Of Live In Concert

Enjoyed the disc A bit short

Disappointing as there was no booklet inside as is usual with these DVDs

As a professional musician, who has only encountered Rieu very recently, I suspect a lot will depend on why you like his shows in regard to this DVD. Rieu's musical style divides the musical community; some gush unconditionally about his presentation and see no faults, while others adopt a more critical standpoint, taking issue with what they see as his popularising of music for the masses. This DVD - unfortunately - fails to capture some of the unique characteristics of a Rieu show, and in failing as it does, devalues this as a buying choice.Rieu is about a lot more than music; he's an unabashed showman, who also plays the fiddle with superb skill and - perhaps most importantly - produces an outstanding performance in a way that makes it appear effortless. What is unique, however, in his performances is the seamless continuity of guest appearances, merged with Rieu's inimitable orchestral style. His live shows - often televised by the German TV networks - are hypnotically compelling in their content, but this DVD comprises edited versions of several different shows, which leads to a less than stellar listening and viewing experience. By switching between shows filmed in different locations there is a distinct loss of spontaneity and inclusion. In a sense, this DVD misses the point about Rieu: he's at his best when working a crowd, interacting with the myriad talents he brings on stage and relaxing in the open air shows which he does so exquisitely. Rieu is not about great music; he is about show, about participation and about humour. In the open air shows he does in his home town, he is peerless. This DVD - regrettably - is anything but.

Bought as a boxed set of two, the other being Royal Albert Hall Live, this for me is perhaps the better of the two though neither is hard to listen to and watch. Andre Rieu is arguably the best there is and this DVD showcases his absolute brilliance. The music caters for all tastes but is what i would regard as the lighter side of classical music, there is, of course, The Radetzky March and Vienna Blood (Wiener Blut) alonside The Second Waltz but to offset these wonderful pieces of music you have the ever popular Hava Nagila, Kalinka, Lara's Theme and even Tea for two. You listen to the wonderful Bolero and then are roused by Sirtaki (Zorba's Dance) when as an act of sheer brilliance you watch as 300 pipers march in to the evergreen Amazing Grace and finish with Auld Lang Syne by which time, for me, the tears are flowing. I have watched both DVDs one after the other, 165mins of bliss, and not been bored. This must be Mr. Rieu at his very best.

This DVD is more of a compilation - there are some good performances on here but you have to bear in mind there are different venues. There are none of the more recent ones on here but a good DVD nonetheless.

We love Andre & his gang of musical geniuses. Ok. It's a huge marvellous orchestra & singers-All brilliant but unlike any orchestra I've seen or played in. A Concert is an entire evening of music, fun, laughter & often drinking! It's not a couple of hours of sitting stiffly & dressed up. People go dressed in whatever they want & join in all evening-often into the night! One time he asked if any Piper's, (People who can play the bagpipes) who could play in an up coming out door Concert-over 350 responded & played! He also had hundred's beautiful of grey, (they look white!) highly schooled horses prancing in time to the Piper's. It was fantastic to say the least. I can't recall exactly what's on this DVD but it will be as spectacular!

I quite like this recent purchase of a "Best of Live in Concert" from Andre Rieu.Those who already have several DVD's of Maestro Rieu may find that some tracks are repeated onthis compilation, excerpts from his large outdoor Berlin concert are given another whirl here as aretracks from his Royal Albert Hall, London concert, but they are still a pleasure to listen to.There are 17 tracks on this disc and I always find his renditions of Bolero, The Second Waltz byShostakovich, Wiener Blut and the Russian folk tunes such as Kalinka and Poliushko Polie to beparticularly delightful.At over 80 minutes this DVD is well worth a look.

For lovers of Andre Rieu concerts this is a lovely "Best of" recording. It features many of his favourites played in his inimitable style, including items from concerts at the Royal Albert Hall, (London),and other locations on the Continent. What a pleasure it is to listen to lovely music played with distinct flair. I would defy anyone watching this video not to have a tear in their eye when the 300 pipers of the European Pipe band join him and his orchestra in the haunting tune of "Amazing Grace and Auld Lang Syne. The DVD lasts for 81 minutes and to me was certainly worth the price.