André Rieu - And The Waltz Goes On (composed by: Anthony Hopkins)

André Rieu & His Johann Strauss Orchestra performing "And The Waltz Goes On" in Maastricht. A Waltz composed by Sir Anthony Hopkins. Taken from "André Rieu - Under the Stars. Live in Maastricht 5."

[irenakovacic]

I love it how he is just there, just somewhere in the audience, not in the first row nothing fancy, he is just there

[timothychardonnay]

If Sir Hopkins hadn't done anything else in his entire life, this waltz would still be enough to remember him.

[sixtosanchez]

When a film is made in memory of Anthony Hopkins they must show this masterpiece as an obligation.

[EternalTina]

Who else just learned that Sir Anthony Hopkins wrote a genuine masterpiece?

[kookookachu]

this guy didn't produce this waltz earlier in his life because he was afraid that nobody would like it. and you hear how beautiful this waltz is. imagine how many artists have been too afraid to share their work. imagine the wonderful pieces of music we could have if we would just lighten up a bit.

[jesi]

I love how not only is he (Anthony Hopkins) watching the musicians, but he is also watching the crowd and smiling at their reaction to the music

[gvnxsh]

It's like the spirit of two lovers finally unite again and dance in the same ballroom that they'd danced at once before for an eternity. Their hearts melting together with each movement of their waltz.

[Klythemnaestra]

Legendary Welsh actor Sir Anthony Hopkins is also a pianist and composer, with a deep love of music. And here’s a magical moment, where one of his first compositions is heard anew, thanks to ‘King of the Waltz’ André Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra. The actor wrote this piece, "And the Waltz Goes On" in 1964 when he was in his 20s. Years later, Hopkins and his wife were watching one of André Rieu’s famous concerts. “I’d love to have that waltz played in Vienna, ” the actor said to his wife, as a passing comment. Little known to Hopkins, his wife then contacted Rieu and shared the sheet music of the nearly 50-year-old composition. The Dutch violinist then surprised the Welsh actor with a phone call, saying his orchestra had just rehearsed his waltz and wanted to perform it live. A few months later, that Vienna premiere became a reality. The Dutch violinist recalled Hopkins coming to him afterwards, saying, “I love it, I love it, and I have tears in my eyes!” Rieu added: “Playing his waltz for the first time in one of the most beautiful halls in Vienna was like a dream for both of us.” Rieu and his orchestra continued to tour with the piece. The above performance took place in 2012, during the Dutch violinist’s famous Maastricht concerts. Watch as a visibly moved Hopkins watches the performance from the audience. Afterwards the actor stands and removes his hat, thanking the orchestra and waving to the Maastricht crowd. He may be best known as Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs or Odin in Marvel’s Thor, but Sir Anthony Hopkins’ piano and compositional talents have taken the Internet by storm in recent years. During the Covid pandemic, the movie legend went viral on social media, playing his piano music with his pet cat Niblo perched on his lap. Earlier this year, he stunned hotel staff with spontaneous piano playing in an empty lobby. Though he has enjoyed a glittering career as an actor, he often speaks of music and composition as a first love. “Music was my first desire, my first wish, ” Hopkins told Gramophone magazine in 2009. “I soon realised that I wanted to be involved and started composing at an early age, writing for the piano.” From that first wish, to a Vienna premiere almost 50 years later. Musical dreams can really come true...

[kstephenson]

Sir Anthony Hopkins actually composed this around 1964, when he was roughly 26 years old. It took his wife in 2011 to quietly contact Andre Rieu and send him a copy of it for the waltz to be actually played; Hopkins never pushed for it to be produced, oddly enough; maybe out of shyness, or maybe simply out of humility. Gorgeous.

[ginnycrouse]

I love how Andre Rieu's audiences really get into the music. They are not somberly polite, they really enjoy it!

[jacqlewis]

Anthony Hopkins is a quiet humble genius... whether acting, painting....But composing this ...made me cry....beautiful and goosebumps.

[hakanguven]

I think we can say that Anthony Hopkins is one of the greatest artists of all time.

[hanumanbearpig]

WTF!! Anthony Hopkins made this piece of art!??!?! Not only an incredible actor, but also a composer? How have I not heard about this??

[danpetric]

This piece was composed by Hopkins in 1964 he was 26 at the time...this man got it all😊❤👍👏👏👏

[ferayozdogan]

The year is 2024 and I'm still here

[ErenTheWarcriminal]

I'm not a classical guy, but this is one of the most beautiful pieces I've ever heard

[Wallard]

I cannot fathom how someone can imagine the music In their heads and produce such a beautiful piece.

[freemanj]

Never asked anyone to play it, and yet it's absolutely hauntingly beautiful. How much magnificent art is out there that never sees the light of day?

[arendwesterkamp]

Thank you Sir Anthony Hopkins for composing this piece and thanks you André Rieu and Strauss orcestra for playing it. Beautiful performance

[Kim-gvbw]

I pray that my Daddy is watching this from Heaven-he would absolutely love it❤😢