Bild Stars Magazine (4) December 2015

The Viennese violin doctor. Like a star it is cared for and protected: André Rieu's violin. Twice a year the Stradivarius goes, under strict safety measures to Vienna in Austria to the German Organization "TUV" (Technical Inspection Association). The legendary Antonio Stradivari (1644-1737), considered as the best luthier of the world, built  around 1000 instruments. Currently one guesses about 300 of his violins are still in existence in Europe, 250 in the USA and 50 in Japan. One of them is being played by André Rieu, who would have paid around 2 million Euro's for the instrument. "I should say: I bought the Stradivari, and it belongs to me. But I don't see it that way. It is such a valuable cultural inheritance, built in 1732. I have to take care of it, so that the next generations can also enjoy her". A reliable employee constantly guards the noble Stradivarius during the tours. Twice a year the first violinist of the Johann Strauss Orchestra, accompanied by a security guard, flies with the valuable string instrument from Maastricht to Vienna. The worldwide demanded German born luthier Marcel Richters (58) performs the TUV technical inspection. "A violin has it tough" says Marcel Richters. "The temperatures on stage are way too high, due to the lighting. Over time the violinist's perspiration damages the wood. And then the violin also travels to exotic places". Marcel Richters, who learned his trade in England and has been a violin maker for almost 40 years, praises the Dutch world star expressly: "Mr. Rieu is very clean, careful and conscientious in handling his Stradivarius. You should know: not every Stradivarius has the same quality. Mr. Stradivari made André Rieu's violin towards the end of his life. This instrument contains all the Master's knowledge and experience. The result is a very special, wonderful sound". When André Rieu's violin is placed on the "operating" table, Marcel Richters touches it with the hands of a surgeon. After an extensive purification process he restrings it with new strings. He loosens the bridge, strings, string holder, fingerboard, fine tuners and chin support. Then the varnish is applied with a tiny brush. Sometimes the violin is with the doctor for weeks . Good strings, bad strings: six years ago André Rieu almost lost his beloved Stradivarius. Back then the violin was seized by the bank, while Rieu was in a financial crisis. "The bank wanted me to sell it. So I placed my Stradivari for sale, but completely overpriced, I am not totally stupid! As soon as I was back in the black again, I removed it from the market".

A waltz by Anthony Hopkins. Fifty years ago the Oscar award winner (Silence of the Lambs) wrote a work which the golden-violinist premiered. Very few people know this: the Hollywood star is an educated musician - and loves waltzes. Just like Hannibal Lecter in the movies. (Silence of the Lambs). "I am a great admirer of André Rieu," says Anthony Hopkins. "He fulfilled one of my greatest dreams." Flashback: As a 27 year old, Hopkins (now 77) composed in his English home "And the Waltz goes on". I was never able to listen to my work. When, a few years ago I saw André Rieu on American TV, I thought: "This great musician and his orchestra must play my waltz." Hopkins then called the Maestro. He says that he should send me the scores. André Rieu later: "Anthony's waltz is unbelievable beautiful. Thrilling, romantic and cinematic." In July 2011 he invited Hopkins and his wife Stella to Vienna. In the Belvedere Castle the movie star's waltz is premiered for the first time. Afterwards it receives standing ovations in the jam-packed marble hall. Hopkins is moved to tears.: "When I heard the performance, I could not believe that I had written that."