HIGHEST-CHARTING ORCHESTRAL ALBUM EVER!
HIGHEST CLASSICAL ALBUM THIS CENTURY!
FIRST VIOLINIST EVER TO REACH NO.2!

An album of Strauss waltzes made pop chart history today by reaching No.2 in the UK Album Charts. Unknown violinist André Rieu has overtaken established pop acts including Paolo Nutini, Corinne Bailey Rae, Florence and the Machine and Lady Gaga with his album ‘Forever Vienna’. This is not only the highest-charting orchestral album ever, but also the first time ever a CD of 19th century music has appeared in the pop charts.

‘Forever Vienna’ has steadily beaten off competition from Susan Boyle, Cheryl Cole and Michael Buble in the six weeks since it was released. Demand was so high in the first week all shops ran out of copies. Sales have snowballed, going Gold in just three weeks and taking the No.1 spot in all the supermarkets.

Since the UK Album Charts began in 1958, only once – when violinist Nigel Kennedy reached No.3 over 20 years ago – has classical instrumental music made such an impact. Kennedy brought Vivaldi into thousands of British homes with his landmark Four Seasons recording, peaking at No.3 only. André Rieu has today smashed that record.
 
The UK is the latest in a string of countries to be swept off their feet by violinist André Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra. The violinist is already a huge international star with his tours, outselling music heavyweights Bruce Springsteen, Coldplay and AC/DC. Rieu is delighted that the romance and excitement of his music is resonating with a 21st Century audience:
‘The waltz encapsulates all emotions in life, and this is why people love it. This UK ‘pop’ chart position is proof of that, so of course I am thrilled’

 Rieu’s waltz phenomenon now sweeps the UK, a country already enamoured by the waltz through prime-time dance shows such as Strictly Come Dancing, So You Think You Can Dance?, Got To Dance and Dancing On Ice.

Spokesperson for HMV, Gennaro Castaldo commented:
‘Never before has this music made it into the pop charts. Rieu is adored all over the world and with this album he has shown music fans in the UK why. He certainly has a talent for bringing traditional waltz music to life, to be enjoyed in the way it was in its heyday..’

We have 5 copies of André Rieu chart topping album to giveaway, for your chance to win enter this months Music competition