Andre Rieu - Tuscany

Along the northwestern coast of Italy lies the provence of Toscano, or Tuscany. Its beautiful main city is Firenze, or Florence, a major tourist destination, as is Pisa, famous for its Leaning Tower.

Bordered on the north by the Alps, Tuscany, with its population of some 3,600,000, is considered the most beautiful of Italy’s provinces. The land has been sculpted, both by the elements and by the Tuscans themselves, in their desire to make the land produce as well as their love of beauty.

In the countryside, one can see vineyards, olive gardens and dark green cypress trees covering the gently rolling hillsides, among the ancient farmhouses, castles and churches. The celebrated Chianti wine has been made in these hills for centuries.

High on a hill, roughly fifty miles southeast of Florence, is Cortona, the timeless city near Lake Trasimano and the Apennines. The town’s Etruscan walls are said to be over 3000 years old, dating back before the time of Christ.

Over the centuries, Cortona has been conquered by the Goths, the Romans and the Lombards, who destroyed the town. It was the home of Saint Margaret of Cortona and numerous artists, including Pietro de Cortona.

More recently, Cortona was the location for the movie, Under The Tuscan Sun, starring Diane Lane. The film is the story of a depressed recent divorcee who buys a villa, restoring both it and her life in the process.

Fans of Andre Rieu and the Johann Strauss Orchestra will note that this program was also recorded here in the City of Art at the Stadio di Cortona. Andre performs many of his favorites, along with new selections destined to become favorites, which range from beloved classics, like Offenbach’s “Barcarolle,” “Lagune Waltz” by Johann Strauss and Yradier’s “La Paloma,” to modern pops, like “Chanson D’Amour,” a 1958 hit by both Art & Dotty Todd and the Fontane Sisters.

Andre will also entertain you with pieces by the masters, including Rossini’s “William Tell Overture,” Beethoven’s “Ode To Joy” and “O Mio Babbino Caro” from Puccini’s Madame Butterfly.

Those who have seen Tuscany only on the small screen will marvel at the ancient beauty of Tuscany in the city of Cortona, as Andre and orchestra play, overlooking the gorgeous Lake Trasimano. And, for those who are unable to make the trip, this wonderful album of Andre Rieu will give a taste.