A Magical Collaboration: Anthony Hopkins Meets André Rieu

In this enchanting YouTube performance titled “And The Waltz Goes On”, André Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra perform a breathtaking waltz composed by none other than Sir Anthony Hopkins. The video, recorded in Maastricht, captures not just a musical performance but an emotional experience that blends cinematic grandeur with classical elegance

🎷 The Composer: Sir Anthony Hopkins

Most widely known as an Oscar-winning actor, Sir Anthony Hopkins (born 1937) also harbors a lifelong passion for composition. He penned the original waltz roughly half a century ago, refining melodic ideas stowed away in notebooks. Eventually, he entrusted his creation to André Rieu—whose ensembles are famed for revitalizing light classical repertoire—to bring this waltz to life on stage .

The Performance

André Rieu’s orchestra delivers the piece with lush arrangements, sweeping strings, and delicate woodwinds. The camera weaves through musicians and dancers, underscoring each graceful turn of dancers in period dress—a fusion of live music and visual storytelling that transports the viewer back to 19th‑century ballrooms.

Hopkins isn’t known for personal appearances in the video, yet his presence is palpable in the music’s romantic arc—like a silent narrator guiding dancers and listeners alike.

Musical Structure & Emotional Landscape

The waltz opens with a lyrical introduction—soft, contemplative violin phrases that instantly stir emotions. When the full orchestra enters, the melody blossoms: bright, buoyant, yet tinged with nostalgic longing.

By mid-section, a contrasting theme introduces a deeper, more reflective mood—perhaps a nod to Hopkins’s dramatic sensibility. This emotional pivot gives way to a climactic reprise, evoking both celebration and bittersweet reverie.

The orchestration is dynamic: rich harmonies, warm cello undertones, and occasional ornamental flute passages add textures that feel both timeless and theatrical.

Audience & Critical Response

Since its upload—over 13 years ago—the video has garnered widespread acclaim. A SoundCloud rebroadcast before that received praise such as: “Fabulous”, “what a gem”, and “Sublime” from fans around the world .

A violinist commenting on a musician forum even noted its evocative string performance, stating: “Love the strings performance.” Yet, the piece has sparked varied opinions: some classical purists debate whether the harmonies feel overly cinematic for a true Strauss‑style waltz

Significance: Bridging Worlds

What makes this waltz truly remarkable is its origin story. A Hollywood actor composing a Vienna‑style dance piece is unexpected—and yet, Hopkins’s passion for composition shines through. By collaborating with André Rieu, the piece gained professional polish and reached concert audiences internationally, merging pop‑culture and classical music in a graceful pas de deux.

Visual Experience: More Than Music

The Maastricht video isn’t just auditory; it’s a visual spectacle. Filmed during one of Rieu’s signature outdoor concerts, the staging includes dancers clad in formal wear, swaying beneath atmospheric lighting. Rieu’s charismatic conducting and the engaged orchestral swings amplify the sense of festivity and drama.

A Lasting Legacy

Even after more than a decade, “And The Waltz Goes On” resonates with listeners. Its regular reposts and enduring comments—such as “it’s make me fly” or “such a beautiful song… to dance between dreams”—suggest a piece that continues to touch hearts . In a world often divided by genre, this waltz stands as a testament to the creative power unleashed when artists step beyond their primary disciplines.

Conclusion: A Waltz That Transcends Roles

“And The Waltz Goes On” beautifully encapsulates its title: a timeless dance that progresses across decades, continents, and artistic genres. It’s a compelling reminder that creativity isn’t confined to labels—whether from a screens legend like Anthony Hopkins or a maestro of classical entertainment like André Rieu.

For listeners and viewers, the piece offers:

• A lyrical journey through sweeping melodies and evocative orchestration

• A visual feast with dancers, light, and majestic outdoor concert staging

• A symbolic collaboration that bridges the worlds of cinema and classical music

Whether you’re a fan of orchestral music, a follower of Hopkins’s multifaceted career, or simply someone longing for an elegant, emotive experience, this waltz is worth revisiting. It stands as a graceful waltz through time—elegant, emotional, and endlessly enchanting.