André Previn, American pianist, composer, and conductor

André George Previn, born Andreas Ludwig Priwin on April 6, 1929, and passing away on February 28, 2019, was a towering figure in 20th and early 21st-century music. This German-American maestro left an indelible mark as a pianist, composer, and conductor, demonstrating a remarkable versatility that saw him achieve extraordinary success across three distinct yet interconnected musical worlds: Hollywood, jazz, and classical music. His illustrious career was a testament to his prodigious talent and adaptability, seamlessly navigating from the glitz of film scores to the improvisational spontaneity of jazz and the profound depths of the classical repertoire.

Previn's career was structured around these three pillars, with his engagement in jazz and classical music enduring until the very end of his life. His early foray into the music industry began exceptionally young, before the age of twenty, when he commenced arranging and composing for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) during Hollywood's Golden Age. This period established his reputation as a formidable talent behind the scenes, contributing to the scores of over fifty films. His brilliance in this domain was recognized with four coveted Academy Awards: for the scoring of musical pictures like Gigi (1958) and Porgy and Bess (1959), for the original score of Irma la Douce (1963), and for the scoring, adaptation, or treatment of My Fair Lady (1964). These awards underscore his significant impact on cinematic music, blending his classical training with popular appeal.

The Jazz Virtuoso

Beyond the silver screen, André Previn emerged as a celebrated jazz pianist. He was widely admired for his work leading jazz trios, where his inventive improvisations and sophisticated harmonic sense shone brightly. His artistry extended to being a sought-after piano-accompanist for many renowned singers of popular standards. Furthermore, he was a masterful interpreter of songs from the "Great American Songbook," a collection of the most important and influential American popular songs and jazz standards from the early 20th century. Through his interpretations, Previn brought new life and insight to these timeless melodies, earning him a place among the genre's greats.

A Distinguished Classical Career

While his roots were in Hollywood and jazz, Previn's later career saw him rise to prominence as a classical musician, particularly as a conductor. He began performing as a classical pianist but gained widespread recognition, especially through television appearances, for his commanding presence on the podium. In the latter three decades of his life, he dedicated himself to creating a lasting legacy as a composer of art music, producing works that reflected his eclectic musical journey and deep understanding of various styles. His compositions often blended lyrical beauty with rhythmic vitality, earning critical acclaim.

Leadership in Orchestras and Accolades

Previn's conducting career was marked by a series of prestigious appointments with some of the world's leading orchestras. He served as music director of the Houston Symphony Orchestra from 1967 to 1969, before taking on the influential role of principal conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) from 1968 to 1979. His tenure with the LSO was particularly transformative, significantly raising the orchestra's international profile through numerous recordings, tours, and popular television series that endeared him to a wider audience. He then led the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra as music director from 1976 to 1984, followed by a period as music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic from 1985 to 1989. Concurrently, he was chief conductor of the Royal Philharmonic from 1985 to 1992. After a self-declared hiatus from salaried conducting posts, reflecting his desire for greater creative freedom, Previn returned to a prominent role as chief conductor of the Oslo Philharmonic from 2002 to 2006. Throughout his classical career, he also cultivated a warm and enduring relationship with the esteemed Vienna Philharmonic, often appearing as a guest conductor.

His extraordinary achievements were recognized with numerous accolades, including ten Grammy Awards for recordings spanning all three areas of his career—film, jazz, and classical. This cross-genre recognition is exceedingly rare, highlighting his unique mastery. He later received an additional Grammy for Lifetime Achievement, a fitting tribute to a career that continuously pushed musical boundaries and enriched the lives of countless listeners worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions About André Previn

What were André Previn's main musical genres?

André Previn was incredibly versatile, excelling in three major musical genres: Hollywood film scores, jazz, and classical music.

How many Academy Awards did André Previn win?

He won four Academy Awards. These were for Best Scoring of a Musical Picture for Gigi (1958) and Porgy and Bess (1959), Best Original Score for Irma la Douce (1963), and Best Scoring, Adaptation or Treatment for My Fair Lady (1964).

Which major orchestras did André Previn conduct?

Previn held significant conducting positions with several prestigious orchestras, including the Houston Symphony Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Royal Philharmonic, and Oslo Philharmonic. He also had a notable relationship with the Vienna Philharmonic.

What was André Previn's role in jazz music?

In jazz, Previn was celebrated as a trio pianist, a piano-accompanist for singers of standards, and a masterful pianist-interpreter of songs from the "Great American Songbook."

Did André Previn compose classical music?

Yes, in his later years, André Previn established a significant legacy as a composer of art music, creating original works for the classical repertoire.

When did André Previn begin his career in Hollywood?

André Previn began arranging and composing for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) before he was twenty years old, launching his prolific career in film music.