André Previn

Amidst the sprawling tapestry of 20th-century music, one name stands out for its eclectic brilliance and boundary-crossing genius: André Previn. As a conductor, pianist, and composer, Previn's contributions spanned classical music, jazz, and film scores, marking him as one of the most versatile musicians of his time. Born Andreas Ludwig Priwin on April 6, 1929, in Berlin, Previn’s early years were rooted in the rich musical culture of Germany. His father, Jack Previn, was a lawyer but also a passionate amateur pianist who ensured music was a constant in young André's life. In 1939, as the shadow of Nazi persecution darkened Europe, the Previn family fled to the United States, settling in Los Angeles—a migration that would serendipitously align André with the burgeoning American music scene. In Los Angeles, Previn's prodigious talents flourished. By the age of 16, he had landed a job at MGM studios, an indispensable cradle for his musical development. Immersing himself in the world of film scores, Previn worked alongside luminaries such as Miklós Rózsa and Bernard Herrmann. His keen sense of harmony and melody soon led to his own triumphs in film scoring, earning him a remarkable four Academy Awards during his tenure. His work on films like "Gigi" (1958) and "My Fair Lady" (1964) exemplified his ability to evoke emotion and narrative through music, a skill that would define much of his career. Beyond Hollywood, Previn was deeply dedicated to jazz, a genre that allowed him to flex his improvisational skills. The world of jazz was rapidly evolving during the 1950s, and Previn emerged as a significant figure within it. His collaborations with jazz icons like Shelly Manne and Benny Carter resulted in seminal recordings, blending the structured sophistication of classical music with the spontaneity of jazz improvisation. Albums like "Previn Plays Music of the Young Hollywood Composers" highlighted his fluency across styles, and his piano trios were a testament to his virtuosic prowess. Yet, it was in classical music that Previn would leave an indelible mark. An indefatigable conductor, Previn’s appointments included prestigious roles with the London Symphony Orchestra, Houston Symphony, and Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. His tenure with the London Symphony Orchestra in particular saw a musical renaissance, with innovative programming and recordings that brought new attention to both established and contemporary works. Previn’s interpretations were known for their clarity and emotional depth, drawing new audiences to classical concerts worldwide. Previn’s compositional output showcases a symbiotic relationship with the conducting world. Works such as "A Streetcar Named Desire," an opera based on Tennessee Williams's play, and "Honey and Rue," a song cycle with lyrics by Toni Morrison, underline his commitment to storytelling through music. His compositions often merged his Hollywood sensibilities with the gravitas of the concert hall, earning acclaim for their accessibility and emotional potency. Throughout his career, Previn’s personal life was as eventful as his professional achievements. He married five times, most notably to actress Mia Farrow, with whom he had three children. This dynamic personal life often caught media attention, but it only added layers to the multifaceted persona of an already enigmatic figure. Despite the accolades and high-profile positions, Previn was known for his humility and self-deprecating wit. His appearances on entertainment programs, such as his memorable appearances conducting "The Morecambe & Wise Show" in the UK, where he became affectionately known as "Andrew Preview," kindled a human connection with the broader public. Previn often joked about his varied interests and success, once quipping, "I was sent to America to study music, and I stayed to learn how to play it." In the twilight of his sweeping career, Previn never ceased to engage with music’s evolving landscape. He held various advisory and guest conducting roles, imparting wisdom accumulated from decades at the pinnacle of artistic mastery. His influence resonated not just through his recordings and compositions but through a new generation of musicians inspired by his boundary-defying journey. Previn passed away on February 28, 2019, at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy that stretches across the realms of music he so deftly navigated. He remains a figure whose life and work defy easy categorization—much like the music he loved, a harmonious blend of the unexpected and the traditional. The world remembers Previn as an artist who not only embraced diversity across musical styles but propelled them forward, forever altering the sounds of our world.