Violinist waltzes to pop history

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An unknown Dutch violinist has made pop history with the highest charting classical album this century.

Andre Rieu's collection of Strauss waltzes, Forever Vienna, rose two places to number two - one place behind Alicia Keys's The Element of Freedom.

He said people love the waltz because it encapsulates all emotions in life.

In the singles chart, Jedward's reworking of Queen hit Under Pressure, with Vanilla Ice, charted at number two behind Owl City's song Fireflies.

'Thrilled'

The X-Factor rejects - twins John and Edward Grimes - failed to top the charts despite the combined efforts with the 1990s rapper.

Vanilla Ice performed with the twins at the National TV Awards

Andre Rieu's album surpassed the achievement of violinist Nigel Kennedy 20 years ago, whose album of Vivaldi compositions peaked at number three.

Mr Rieu, 60, 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."

In the singles chart, Timbaland's If We Ever Meet Again, featuring Katy Perry, jumped 14 places to number three.

Journey's Don't Stop Believin' continued to have two appearances in the top ten - their original version at number nine and a cover by the cast of US series Glee at four.