The Homecoming
Track Titles

01 - Carmen/Overture

02 - Aviator's March

03 - You're Worth Your Weight In Gold

04 - Song of Vilja

05 - Funiculi Funicula

06 - Today Is the Most Beautiful Day
Heut' ist der schönste tag

07 - Concierto de Aranjuez

08 - Swinging Bells of Limburg

09 - Memory (Cats)

10 - A Bright Young Man

11 - Toselli Serenade

12 - Libiamo

13 - The White Horse Inn

14 - Maastricht, City of Jolly Singers

15 - Ode to Maastricht

16 - Maastricht Anthem

Popular waltz king André Rieu and his Salon Orchestra play to an adoring hometown crowd on The Homecoming, recorded in concert in the Vrijthof, the central square of Maastricht, and broadcast on PBS. Rieu delights the 34,000-strong audience with his signature blend of light classics and pop standards, including the Overture to Carmen, "Memory" from Cats, and wrapping up with a set of charming numbers in honor of the violinist's native city.

The Homecoming DVD
Songs From My Heart DVD

Carmen Ouvertüre (Carmen Overture)

Fliegermarsch (Aviator's March)

Du Bist Mit Gold Nicht Zu Bezahlen
(You're Worth Your Weight In Gold)

Viljalied (Song Of Vilja)

Heut' Ist Der Schönste Tag

Ach Ich Hab' In Meinem Herzen

Concierto De Aranjuez

Es Läuten Die Glocken Von Limburg
(Swinging Bells Of Limburg)

Funiculi Funicula

Im Weissen Rössl (The White Horse Inn)

Second Waltz

Chiantilied (Chianti Song)

Maastrichter Hymne (Maastricht Anthem)

Radetzkymarsch (Radetzky March)

Ob Blond, Ob Braun

I Could Have Danced All Night

With A Little Bit Of Luck

Die Juliska Aus Budapest
(Juliska From Budapest)

Memory

Als Flotter Geist (A Bright Young Man)

Toselli Serenade

Libiamo

La Donna E Mobile

Auld Lang Syne

Ode An Maastricht (Ode To Maastricht)

Guten Abend Gut' Nacht (Lullaby)

Einzugsmarsch (Entry March)

Maastricht, Stadt Der Fröhlichen Sänger
(Maastricht, City Of Jolly Singers)

"The Homecoming" was recorded at the Vrijthof Square in Andre's hometown of Maastricht, a beautiful, history laden vacation spot made popular by our favorite maestro. This DVD, with it's unique style, excitement and an impressive stage, all come together calling a worldwide audience already mesmerized by the beautiful music of Andre Rieu.

The word Homecoming brings to mind families and friends, loved ones, family get-togethers, familiar surroundings and acquaintances we haven't seen in awhile. When we are away from our homes and loved ones for a period of time, we know in our hearts an atmosphere of friendliness awaits. There is a love and a happiness that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. A certain comfort comes to us in the knowledge that we can relax, be ourselves and enjoy a life that is filled with the sweet, wonderful feelings we have when we are home.

I can only imagine what it's like to travel the world giving concerts in so many cities, eating in unfamiliar places, seeing different sights than what we are used to. We stay at different hotels and drive many miles of freeways, frequent airports or many other places and come into contact with people who are friendly for the most part, but strangers no less ... it's not like home ... there is nothing like home and familiar surroundings.

In my life I have moved many times, I've enjoyed most of the places that I have been, but nothing topped the feeling that I had when I was at home. There was not a day that went by that I didn't think of home, for home is where the heart truly is!

"Home is where your story begins", isn't that wonderful? It sets your life into motion ... the paths we take are all adventures, and as we go through life we add to this story that we are building, each and every day. We take our certain paths and where it ends up, is up to us. How we deal with life along the way and what we do with our life, how we fulfill our dreams and what we do to make other people happy and what we can do to bring joy and peace and unity to this world ... that's our story. Andre Rieu is certainly a good example of beginning his "story" at home and taking it around the world making people happy and bringing a wonderful unity to people through his music, his charisma and personality. Look at how many friends around the world would not have known each other had it not been for Andre Rieu.

There are 27 songs on this DVD in two parts.

There are three "Bonus Features" and a "Specials" section.

You can get into the heart and soul of a musician by listening to his music! These are all happy songs, full of love and romance ... songs of the heart. When Andre was on stage doing this concert he told the audience that this was the best day of his life. This is where his roots are, it is where he started long ago as the Maastricht Salon Orchestra, and he will never forget the people of Maastricht. The love, loyalty and support of his hometown audience will be forever in his heart.

PART ONE:

a.. Carmen Overture  ~~ Composed by Georges Bizet, (1838-1875), a French composer and pianist of the romantic era, best known for his opera "Carmen". This is the opening song and we all know it as Andre and the JSO walk through the aisles to the stage. It is, of course, one of the most anticipated of the many highlights at one of Andre's concerts, it's unique and the energy level is high, as the evening has just begun.

  b.. Aviator's March  ~~ (Fliegermarsch), composed by John Philip Sousa, (1854-1932). It was written in 1931. There are so many enjoyable songs on this DVD, and this is among them. I really enjoy this one.

  c.. You're World Your Weight in Gold  ~~ Andre speaks to the audience and tells them that Maastricht has been declared the greatest town in the Netherlands. This song is a traditional folksong, sung by the sopranos Carmen, Suzan and Carla, and all are wearing gold, incredibly beautiful gowns fitting to the song, they are joined by the incredible Platin Tenors. This is such a happy song, and when everyone gets involved in singing along, it's wonderful!

  d.. Song of Vilja  ~~ Composed by Franz Lehar, (1870-1948)  ~~ Written in 1905 in Vienna. From the play "Merry Widow". The beautiful Carmen Monarcha sings this wonderful song and we all certainly know how beautiful her voice is.

  e.. Today is the Most Beautiful Day (Heut' ist der schonste Tag)  ~~ A beautiful German folksong. Andre tells the audience this is the best day of his life and he thanks them for a wonderful reception. The Tenors sing this great song.

  f.. Oh, I Have in My Heart (Ach ich Hab in Meinem Herzen)  ~~ Andre says that the first time he heard the Tenors sing this song, it brought tears to his eyes. He says, "It's about love ... when two hearts are joined in love all Angels look down." I love this song and you will to if you have not heard it before. This is so beautiful! It's one that truly touches the heart.

  g.. Concierto de Aranjuez -- Spanish composer Joaquin Rodrigo (1901-1999) wrote this music in 1939, and is probably his best known work, and establishing him as one of the foremost post-war Spanish composers. The Concierto de Aranjuez was inspired by and written for the gardens at Palacio Real de Aranjuez. The music attempts to transport the listener to the sounds of nature in both another place and time. Such a beautiful song this is, and truly does have that ability. When Frank Steijns plays this piece of music it's as though it was written for the carillon instead of the guitar, it truly lends a beautiful, haunting mood to this music. It's humorous watching Frank as he climbs all those stairs in fast motion, to get to the tower of the St. Servatius Church to play this incredibly beautiful music.

  h.. Swinging Bells of Limburg  ~~ This traditional folksong is a very happy song and I think of the beautiful country that it was written for every time that I hear it. A somewhat slower Frank does a return trip up to the tower of the Church to play this song on the carillon. I play this very often in my car, and it really makes driving a happy experience; you can forget any unhappy moments because this is so enjoyable. You know, it's interesting what these songs from The Netherlands do for me, they just make me so happy. I guess the feelings are unique because there are many happy songs here in America, but not like this ... it's very hard to explain. Maybe it's the certain "flair" they have? It's a good thing, whatever it is!

  i.. Funiculi Funicula  ~~ Composed by Luigi Denza (1846-1922): A fun Italian song from the Romantic Period and written in 1880. Manoe is so funny as she continues playing when everyone else has stopped, Andre tells her "shhhh", and she gets that funny, cute look on her face. I've seen Andre introduce his incredible JSO orchestra on many occasions, when this song is played.

  j.. The White Horse Inn  ~~ Turn of the Century Im weißen Rößl (English title: White Horse Inn or The White Horse Inn) is a musical comedy set in the picturesque Salzkammergut region of Upper Austria. "It is about the head waiter of the White Horse Inn in St. Wolfgang who is desperately in love with the owner of the inn, a resolute young woman who at first only has eyes for one of her regular guests". This comedy is along the lines of "The Sound Of Music". It starred William Gaxton and Kitty Carlisle. The play was produced and staged by Erik Charell. Lyrics by Irving Caesar and Music by Ralph Benatzky.

  Wikipedia has some very interesting and beautiful pictures of this region and of course, the White Horse Inn.

  There is more to this song than I'm writing here, too much to add. If I were musically inclined, I would probably know what everything meant. I love this song and I wish that I knew the words and the meanings. There is a part  of this music that really gets to me. Starting out very lively and sung by the sopranos and the tenors, it is very enjoyable. About two thirds of the  way through, Andre does an incredible violin solo that literally sends me to  another world ... I close my eyes and wish for the song to never end. How can  Andre play a violin so incredibly beautiful that you feel like you are in another world ... literally transported somewhere that is beyond words or  feelings? In this particular segment he has that ability to do just that. If  only I could bottle it up and save it for special moments! Tanja plays an incredible cello in this song along with Andre's violin solo ... how beautiful it is ... at the end of the solo, Andre does this very cute split-screen "kiss" with Tanja, this is very humorous and it gets a nice laugh from the audience  every time.

  k.. The Second Waltz  ~~ Written by Dmitri Shostakovich. "When Stalin announced in 1936 that all artistic and musical work would be under the control of the Party, Shostakovich had already composed the first Jazz suite. When he composed the second suite in the autumn of 1938, it was on commission from the newly formed U.S.S.R. State Jazz Band, an ensemble created to control the public's taste in popular music. This piece may be more familiar to some as the theme music for Stanley Kubrick's final film, Eyes Wide Shut". The CD single came out in August 1994, under the name of "Waltz No. 2 from Jazz Suite No. 2" or better remembered as The Second Waltz. According to "My Music, My Life" ... "from the moment the single came out, one surprise followed another. This song conquered Holland practically overnight. It climbed to the Dutch Tip Parade and then the Hit Parade and before long it was even in the Top Ten, where it stayed for months." "It was unbelievable, a purely classical piece, in the Top Ten among all the pop groups!" "The Orchestra began in 1987 with twelve members. At the same time that the orchestra first toured Europe, there emerged a renewed interest in waltz music. This revival was mostly in the Netherlands and was ignited by their recording of the "Second Waltz". As a result, Andre Rieu became known as "The King of Waltz". This is an incredible song and I love watching Andre and the JSO play it. It's one of the first songs I remember when I started buying Andre's CD's ... it's hard to forget and it is one that we can be thankful for ... for being such a hit which allowed Andre Rieu the attention that he so deserved.

  l.. Chianti Song  ~~ Written by Gerhardt Winkler. I first saw this played in "Live In Dublin". I don't understand what this song is about; all I know is that it's a very happy song. The enthusiasm and happiness in this song is very contagious. I love watching Andre as he jumps up during certain portions of this music. It's obviously an Italian song, and the zest and appeal it has is enough to warrant one of those "special moments" songs!

  m.. Maastricht Anthem  ~~ The Maastricht Anthem is the oldest national anthem in the world, Although it was not recognized as the official national anthem until May 10, 1932, when it was decreed that on all official occasions requiring the performance of the national anthem, the Wilhelmus was to be played. I have a very proud feeling as I listen to the words of our country's song, I'm sure that the people of Holland gets that same proud and wonderful feeling when they listen to their beautiful Anthem. Typically, national anthems focus on the military and the accomplishments of the people, however the Maastricht Anthem focuses on William of Orange, his life and why he fought for the Dutch. The Anthem was written as if it were sung by William himself. The song is peaceful with a beginning sentence saying "Een nieuw christelijk lied" which means "A new Christian song". The Maastricht Anthem has 15 eight line verses to it. Normally, this anthem is only sung with the first and sixth verse. There is a ton of interesting facts about this anthem well worth reading.

This is the music, which makes Andre Rieu enjoyable to so many people around the world. When I watch this DVD, and I watch the people who have come to this concert ... and I see that they are all very happy, then I understand why the Vrijthof Square is so popular when Andre comes home! You can see the love and joy in their hearts, they kiss and dance and the place is filled with excitement and anticipation of the next moment. Enjoy this DVD and see why so many people have such a wonderful time!

PART TWO:

SONGS OF THE HEART

  a.. Radetzky March  ~~ Composer Johann Strauss wrote this in 1848. I always call this the "balloon song" ... because of course it's always played when the balloons are released above the audience. It's one of the fun highlights of one of Andre's concerts. There are no balloons this time in Maastricht, the magic of having balloons fall out of the night sky is intriguing, but as yet not to be accomplished. There is however, a wonderful light show. We cannot "catch" the lights but the beauty and excitement takes their place beautifully.

  b.. Whether Blond or Brunette, We Love Them All (Oh Blond, Oh Braun)  ~~ The Tenors sing this wonderful and happy song. I enjoy it very much, and I know you will too.

  c.. I Could Have Danced All Night  ~~ Suzan, Carla and Carmen are joined by the Tenors for this song from the musical "My Fair Lady". Written by Frederick Loewe, lyrics by Alan Jan Lerner. This was first performed by Julie Andrews in the original Broadway musical. I was running the hills behind my home when these songs and the movie "My Fair Lady" were popular, and although I do remember them, however, I was not able to see this movie. I know that so many people enjoy them and they will always be songs that are destined to be around for a very long time.

  d.. With A Little Bit of Luck  ~~ Also by Frederick Loewe and Alan Jan Lerner. This is such a happy song and I love this music. Another great song from "My Fair Lady" that will be with us for a very long time as a classic.

  e.. Juliska From Budapest -- Always a favorite and especially entertaining as Carla Maffioletti is in the traditional dress and dances a traditional dance, while singing this wonderful song. She has an incredible voice and it's always a pleasure to hear her.

  f.. Memory  ~~ From Cats  ~~ Written by Frank Lloyd Webber (1948-) A beautiful song written in 1981 and sung by the beautiful and very talented Suzan Ehrens, she sings a wonderful version of this song. This was one of my father's favorite songs, it was actually my mom and dad's song and they loved it, I will always think of them when it's played.

  g.. A Bright Young Man  ~~ Medley  ~~ The Beautiful Blue Danube, Vienna Blood, Lips are Sealed, I like to Dance, Roses From the South  ~~ The energy level of this audience is priceless, as we watch them swaying to this music we cannot help but smile and join in no matter where we are. This is a wonderful medley of songs and I always get a feeling of camaraderie when I listen to it.

  h.. Toselli Serenade; Op. 6 no 1  ~~ (Nightingale Serenade)  ~~ Composer Enrico Toselli (1883-1926), being from the Romantic Period, this music is the optime of romance. Not only is this an incredibly beautiful song, I love watching Andre as he plays this violin solo. He puts his heart and feelings into this song and his expressions, well, they can sure melt your heart.

  i.. Libiamo  ~~ ("Let Us Drink") also called "The Drinking Song" from the Opera La Traviata by Giuseppe Verdi, one of the leading composers of Italian operas in the 19th century. First performed in Venice, 1853. The Tenors start this very fun song and everyone is passing around champagne before you know it!

  j.. La Donna e Mobile  ~~ Medley  ~~ Vienna sul mar, Tulips from Amsterdam, Lily Marleen, Oh Donna Clara  ~~ This is a great medley of songs. One of my favorites is Vienna sul mar, it's hard for me to do anything when I'm listening to this melody. "Tulips of Amsterdam" is so appropriate and is enjoyable. Lily Marleen ... sung by Anne Shelton, written by T. Connor. Lily Marleen was originally a German song but was adapted by the British 8th Army. The British Government approached Tommy Connor to re-write the words. When I took German in school I enjoyed this song very much ... I can still remember some of the words. We sang it a lot, I guess I was happy that there was someone else in the world with this name. Oh Donna Clara is also very enjoyable!

  k.. Auld Lang Syne  ~~ A poem by Robert Burns, although a similar poem by Robert Anton (1570-1638) as well as older folk songs, use the same phrase, and may well have inspired Burns. In any case, it is one of the best known songs in English-speaking countries, and it is often sung at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Day. Like many other frequently sung songs, the melody is better remembered than the words, which are often sung incorrectly and seldom in full. Every time I hear this song it's very melancholic for me.  It's like we have to let go of the past and start new again. Sometimes that very hard to do, especially when it comes to family and family matters. It may be a very sad song for me, but it's also among my favorites because it always gives me Goosebumps, and if a song can do that, then it goes directly to the "favorite" section of my mind. When Andre plays his violin and Manoe plays the bagpipes together in this music, there just is not a whole lot that can get any better!

  l.. Ode to Maastricht  ~~ Written and beautifully sung by Benny Neyman, born June 9, 1951. He has a nice website www.bennyneyman.nl, however, it's in Dutch and I cannot read it, but the pictures are great and there is a wonderful picture of Andre and Benny together. Benny Neyman sings this song in five languages; Dutch, German, English, French and the homeland dialect of "Mestreech". When he sings the portion that's in English, think about the words that he is saying, it's very beautiful and heartfelt, "Come to my beautiful town, come with me, and I'll show you around. Beautiful people with love in their mind; you could leave all your troubles behind. Come and I'll show you my roots, brush through your, shine your boots, city of Romans, of history and grace, no where such beautiful place. City of Maastricht, my love in my heart, tells me that we'll never part." I think that there are different meanings to the other language versions, but this is the English version and the one that I understand, of course. I enjoy watching Andre and Benny Neyman doing this song together, it's very entertaining.

  m.. Lullaby  ~~ Of course Brahms Lullaby, is one of the most relaxing, soothing melodies of all time. A solo by Andre Rieu is as close to heaven as we can be. There is not a day that goes by that I don't listen to this melody. Andre does keep these ageless songs alive in our heart and minds.

  n.. Entry March  ~~ This song is wonderful, as we listen we can see the conga line forming and everyone is really getting involved with this, if not in the line, then in the audience itself. There is so much celebration going on it's so fun to watch. Everyone in the Square is involved.

  o.. Maastricht, City of Jolly Singers  ~~ Doesn't this song sound happy? Having a good time is certainly contagious. Watching this audience as they are having such fun is entertainment in the highest order. It's the last song of the evening, and of course Andre asks "Aren't you tired?" Of course not Andre Rieu, how can we ever get tired of the songs and the humor, the music and the laughter, just from the sheer happiness that everyone is enjoying tonight? No, Andre, we are not tired. The audience knows that this is the last song of the evening and they start chanting "Andre", "Andre", "Andre", "Andre" ... he's smiling and keeping up with the cadence of the chant. He's so enjoyable!

I would like to thank the Johann Strauss Orchestra at this time for their wonderful, entertaining, enjoyable, antics, humor, their happiness, and their ability to entertain us whenever they present themselves and their music. You are all an incredible bunch of musicians and I'm so pleased to "know" you ALL. You make music like no other orchestra that I know of ... and you thoroughly entertain us! You make such beautiful music together!

THANK YOU SO MUCH!

review by: Marlene Warren

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