André Rieu Espetacular

André Rieu is popular in Britain and Europe, Australia and inexplicably in Brazil.

This is the recording of his first ever show in Brazil in the city of Sao Paulo.

The self styled waltz king has divided opinion. To classical music purists, his style of music does not even provide basic nourishment.

A sentiment I agree with and I'm not really a fan of classical music.

To me Rieu might as well be James Last reincarnated, the late big band leader with his brand of happy music.

This television presentation has Rieu doing his cheesy shtick. There are popular classical musical pieces, a few songs. There are a lot of ladies in his orchestra all dressed up and slightly glam. Everybody is smiling.

I am sure it was a happy clappy night out for the Brazilian audience. A lot of the music was gutted for television, I was still waiting for something substantial to be played.

Suddenly Rieu is telling the audience it is time to go home. Which made me wonder what got cut.

This is the equivalent of having The Teletubbies passed off for high brow drama.