Andre Rieu has continued his record-breaking form with the release of his 
latest album, it has been announced.
The talented violinist-conductor has sailed into the UK pop charts at number four with his album of waltz tunes, which has also become the fastest-selling instrumental album of the century so far.
Moonlight Serenade achieved the remarkable sales figures by going Gold within 24 hours of its release, only charting behind Take That‘s album Progress, Rihanna‘s Loud and Susan Boyle’s The Gift.
In addition, the album also fought off competition from Bruce Springsteen, Pink, Cheryl Cole, James Blunt and Katy Perry.
Commenting on the success, Gennaro Castaldo, a spokesman for HMV, told Classic FM that Rieu was becoming something of a “musical phenomenon”.
“The rise of Andre Rieu has been truly remarkable – and with his new album likely to feature in the Christmas Top 10, he’ll be a household name before long,” he added.
This is not the first time that Rieu has flirted with mainstream success in the UK pop charts, as his previous album, Forever Vienna, reached number 2 in the countdown, as well as enjoying a record-breaking spell at the top of the specialist classical album charts.
Rieu’s charismatic live performances mean that he has been able to acquire a large international following and commenting after his first album stormed the charts, he said: “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.”
Meanwhile, the Dutch musician has announced his plans to embark on a six-date UK-wide arena tour starting in April next year, with performances in London, Newcastle, Manchester, Birmingham, Belfast and Dublin.
latest album, it has been announced.The talented violinist-conductor has sailed into the UK pop charts at number four with his album of waltz tunes, which has also become the fastest-selling instrumental album of the century so far.
Moonlight Serenade achieved the remarkable sales figures by going Gold within 24 hours of its release, only charting behind Take That‘s album Progress, Rihanna‘s Loud and Susan Boyle’s The Gift.
In addition, the album also fought off competition from Bruce Springsteen, Pink, Cheryl Cole, James Blunt and Katy Perry.
Commenting on the success, Gennaro Castaldo, a spokesman for HMV, told Classic FM that Rieu was becoming something of a “musical phenomenon”.
“The rise of Andre Rieu has been truly remarkable – and with his new album likely to feature in the Christmas Top 10, he’ll be a household name before long,” he added.
This is not the first time that Rieu has flirted with mainstream success in the UK pop charts, as his previous album, Forever Vienna, reached number 2 in the countdown, as well as enjoying a record-breaking spell at the top of the specialist classical album charts.
Rieu’s charismatic live performances mean that he has been able to acquire a large international following and commenting after his first album stormed the charts, he said: “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.”
Meanwhile, the Dutch musician has announced his plans to embark on a six-date UK-wide arena tour starting in April next year, with performances in London, Newcastle, Manchester, Birmingham, Belfast and Dublin.