Although
André Rieu's specialty is light classical music, usually presented in fun-filled concerts, he has also participated in less gratifying commercial projects such as this lackluster Christmas collection on Rampage, originally produced for CNR Entertainment.
Rieu's violin playing is featured on every track, but there is little of his characteristic joie de vivre in these sterile studio confections -- one hesitates to regard them as actual musical performances -- of favorite Christmas tunes, which are festooned with tinkling MIDI keyboards, lush synthesizers, heavily processed backing vocals, and an instrumental ensemble that goes uncredited (apparently not his popular
Johann Strauss Orchestra). First released in 1992, this reissue is unlike
Rieu's best work, which is appealing for its spontaneity, humor, and healthy dollops of schmaltz; indeed, what is substituted here for these positive traits are artificial arrangements, predictable studio tricks, and manufactured sentimentality that will move no one. This is the kind of bland aural wallpaper one expects to find in retail establishments at Christmastime, and the joyless presentation makes listening feel more like a holiday chore than holiday cheer. Add to this the airless sound, which seems devoid of any natural acoustic resonance, and the album rates low marks, and is not recommended, least of all to
Rieu's adoring fans.