13 Year Old Girl Playing Il Silenzio (The Silence) - André Rieu

"Il Silenzio" is a memorial piece commissioned by the Dutch and first played in 1965 on the 20th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands. It was written by Nini Rosso and Guglielmo Brezza.

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[dougdrury]

i'm a Vietnam Vet, Chopper pilot, just turned 80 and would love to have this played at my passing. Such a beautiful rendition by this young lady of exceptional talent.

[dagored]

As a 73 year old British army veteran, I am not ashamed to owning up to goosebumps and a tear in my eyes. Brava young lady, brava.

[brucewoods]

74 and a NAVY Vietnam Vet, this always brings a lump in my throat. Beautifully played by a wonderfully talented Girl 💕💕💕

[leviefrauim]

About six miles from Maastricht, in the Netherlands, lie buried 8, 301 American soldiers who died in "Operation Market Garden" in the battles to liberate Holland in the fall/winter of 1944. Every one of the men buried in the cemetery, as well as those in the Canadian and British military cemeteries, has been adopted by a Dutch family who mind the grave, decorate it, and keep alive the memory of the soldier they have adopted. It is even the custom to keep a portrait of "their" soldier in a place of honor in their home.

Annually, on "Liberation Day, " memorial services are held for "the men who died to liberate Holland." The day concludes with a concert. The final piece is always "Il Silenzio, ” (The Silence) a memorial piece commissioned by the Dutch and first played in 1965 on the 20th anniversary of Holland's liberation. It has been the concluding piece of the memorial concert ever since.

This year the soloist was a 13-year-old Dutch girl, Melissa Venema, backed by André Rieu and his orchestra (the Royal Orchestra of the Netherlands). This beautiful concert piece is based upon the original version of taps and was composed by Italian composer Nino Rossi.

[urbanbraun]

I am 87 yrs. old and a veteran. This brought tears to my eyes, She is tremendous!!

[romagnani]

Beautifully done. Thank you from a 79 years old Vietnam Veteran.

[oldbiker]

being 77 years old and Navy Vet.. brings tears to my eyes.

[allandownton]

As an 86 year old Canadian vet who spent time in France in the 60s and saw all the cemeteries with crosses row by row I start to cry when I hear this piece and will have it played at my passing. 👨🏼‍✈️

[melvinescobar]

My grandfather was a veteran of World War II and when he passed away they played this beautiful melody, he was a Captain stationed in Normandy and it was an honor for him to say goodbye in this way.

[joeheid]

Some people don't realize that to play a piece like this with feeling, proper phrasing and intonation is infinitely harder to play than many technical pieces that may sound much harder. This was done masterfully.

[BrianWMay]

72 and a vet too and it gets me every time. Sublime thank you Melissa, thank you André and thank you the whole orchestra.

[donallen]

As a British Military Veteran, I will have this played as the “Last Post” at my funeral, which is already planned…… I was proud to have served Queen and Country!

[gc]

I'm an ex trumpet player. I was taught by my father, an ex army bandsman. He taught me to play this, but I could never put across the emotion that this young lady and Nini Rossi could. Sublime. It still makes me cry and I'm 57

[edwardmarko]

I played a trumpet back in the day....this girls tone quality and smoothness moving between the notes was absolute perfection ! What a true and talented musician she really is. I hope to hear more from her.

[Candyman]

April 5th 2009 at 10:30pm my Dad passed away from cancer. We had come home after saying our goodbyes to him, and my Mom got on her PC to start the process of emailing family that he had passed away. As she checked her emails, someone had sent a link to this performance. It was as if the Lord new as a family we needed to hear this. We stood around the monitor and listen quietly. I feel it was Dad saying his last goodbye to us.

[rogerdane]

Her performance is amazing, simply wonderful but don't lose sight of "why" she is playing, a Celebration of Liberation. The recognition of "those who gave all" to set free the people of the Netherlands. What a fine example of "honor" she provides!!

[WinyanStaz]

I am a Miltary widow. God bless this young girl....her playing is awesome....And God Bless our planet...and all those around the world struggling to be FREE.

[davidblodgett]

I am 81 years old. Served in Vietnam 2 tours.
Yes it makes me feel better about what this means.
Yes I agree that I would love having this played at my passing.
Several years ago, there was a tribute to a person who had passed at my local golf club.
His friends had a gathering at the clubhouse. They had hired a bagpiper to play. As everyone gathered outside the clubhouse, the bagpiper played while walking to the clubhouse. Very emotional. Perfect.

[keithsimmons]

What.a talent this young lady has just 13 years old.Her ability to play with such a world class standard is unbelievable

[markkeywood]

The Audience is in absolute trance because this absolutely done with so much emotion and perfection, not a murmur or phone in sight, could listen to her constantly ❤❤❤❤