Andre Rieu Quotes

Where would I be without Johann Strauss's beautiful 'Blue Danube?' Without this piece of music I wouldn't be the man I am today. It's a tune that brings out the emotion in everyone and makes them want to waltz.

I have 120 people in my payroll without any government giving me any money. We live off the tickets and the records I sell. That is very unusual.

I think there are people who use classical music to say, 'I am better than you, because I know all the rules and you don't.' You're not allowed to have fun or entertain.

The classical music world is so snobbish.

I was the black sheep of the family, and my mother never really understood me.

Other people might want a Ferrari, but I wanted a butterfly house. I built it together with a blacksmith. We designed it together.

It doesn't matter as long as there's interaction between me and the audience. That's why they come.

I was a fat child and loved cake, perhaps because it was the only sweet thing in my life.

Mozart composed his music not for the elite, but for everybody.

When my twin grandchildren, Linda and Lyeke, were born two years ago, it changed me. I felt it was the essence of what life is about, and I cried all day. When my son Pierre, their father, was born I didn't cry like that.

For me, I always like to get up bright and early.

Critics or musicians who attack me are jealous of my success and the fact that I make people feel so happy.

I have two speeds, nothing and full pelt.

I first picked up a violin aged five - I just assumed everyone played.

It is a real piece of art if you can make a waltz sound like it is the easiest piece of music to play, because it's really not.

When I was 4 or 5, I attended my father's concerts. He very often played Strauss waltzes as encores and I saw something happening with the audience.

I'm an un-healable positive optimist.

I admire Johann Strauss a lot. I believe he was a genius of his time.

When I'm not on tour, I love to have a long breakfast at home in my garden.

Contrary to popular opinion, classical music does not have to be enjoyed amid exclusive circles, there need not be any snobbishness attached to it. It's there for everyone. I play for the people.

The waltz can be sad and at the same time uplifting. You have to see life from both sides, and the waltz encapsulates that. If you're in my audience you give yourself to me and the waltz will grab you.

We should make decisions in life with our hearts, not our brains, not only in music but in daily life.

Now, I've changed my life to make sure I work only on what I love.