Andre Previn dead

[Nearly Sane]

And I hear Eric Morecambe


https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2019/02/28/517960940/andre-previn-musical-polymath-has-died-at-age-89

[SusanDoris]

And I hear Eric Morecambe


https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2019/02/28/517960940/andre-previn-musical-polymath-has-died-at-age-89

I'm sorry to hear that - a man of multiple  talents and the Mr Preview moment with Morecambe and wise is unforgettable.

[Harrowby Hall]

I saw the LSO and Andre Previn on a number of occasions. There is one which lives vividly in my memory.
 
They were playing the Walton's first symphony at the Proms. During the last few minutes of the final movement - which are loud and clamorous - a thunderstorm broke out over London matching the loud percussion and brass chords of the orchestra and rain could be heard hammering the Albert Hall's glass roof. Orchestra and nature were vying with each other to be heard.

And when we walked into the streets around the RAH, they were flooded. So much rain had fallen in such a short time that the drains could not cope. My wife and I reached our car, in Hyde Park, with our shoes and feet absolutely sodden. I drove to our home in Windsor in bare feet.

[Aruntraveller]

The recording he did of Shostakovich's 5th symphony for RCA in 1966 was a record I bought when I was studying A level music (1974). It still remains my favourite recorded version of that magnificent symphony.

Although many (for very good reasons) remember the M & W moments he really was a very , very fine conductor and interpreter of music.

And if that talent wasn't enough he was an exceptional jazz pianist.

All the above confirms my long held conviction of the non-existence of God. IF there was a God you'd think they'd share the talent out more equitably. IF you detect a tinge of jealousy, you are indeed correct.

[Nearly Sane]

Lovely tribute, trent, and thought occurs as to whether we would see such a thing as his appearance on M & W today.

[torridon]

Not many people cross the classical / jazz boundaries so effortlessly.  As a teenager learning classical piano I got a copy of Play Like Andre Previn and it came as a revelation to me, such complex harmonies and off beat rhythms and it became a staple of my early years, I still return to it now and then.  Feel like I've lost a guiding spirit.

Here he is duoing with Oscar Peterson :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51fUTDWhXys 

[Harrowby Hall]

I recall a concert by the LSO and Andre Previn at the Albert Hall, Trent (your Albert Hall, that is). It was unusual in that the concert started at a rather early time (I cannot recall precisely what time, but it may have been about 6.00pm).

Previn played a Mozart piano concerto, directing from the keyboard, and finished with Rachmaninov's 3rd symphony - which was wonderful.

IIRC Andre Previn was with the LSO for about 10 years and was as responsible as anyone else for starting the transformation of the orchestra into one of the world's best.

[ProfessorDavey]

And I hear Eric Morecambe


https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2019/02/28/517960940/andre-previn-musical-polymath-has-died-at-age-89

FFS - as funny as the sketch on Morecombe and Wise was I hardly think that it is the defining moment of his very long and hugely varied musical career. I wonder if he rued the day he agreed to go on the show - I gather that BBC radio 4's piece on him had the sketch ... on the radio ... I mean what is that all about.

Thanks to others here for focussing on his actual talents and achievements.

[Nearly Sane]

FFS - as funny as the sketch on Morecombe and Wise was I hardly think that it is the defining moment of his very long and hugely varied musical career. I wonder if he rued the day he agreed to go on the show - I gather that BBC radio 4's piece on him had the sketch ... on the radio ... I mean what is that all about.

Thanks to others here for focussing on his actual talents and achievements.

Didn't say it was. It was , oh let me think for a second, something called a J O K E.

[ProfessorDavey]

Didn't say it was. It was , oh let me think for a second, something called a J O K E.

Ok - a J O K E  - hmm is that what you always do as a mark of respect for someone hugely talented and influential dies.

[Nearly Sane]

Ok - a J O K E  - hmm is that what you always do as a mark of respect for someone hugely talented and influential dies.

How hard is it to walk with that stick up.your arse?

[ProfessorDavey]

How hard is it to walk with that stick up.your arse?

Nice to know that when push comes to shove all you have are insults NS.

My point was that it is extremely belittling to someone with the range of influence in the world of music as Previn to boil down their phenomenal career to a single appearance on someone else's comedy show.  While that appearance might be hugely relevant to the impact of M&W in their chosen profession (comedy) is totally irrelevant to the importance of Previn in his chosen career (music).

Interestingly NS - you are often the person who starts the 'someone notable' has died threads - usually with just a link or with a link plus a generous comment on their importance and the sadness of their passing - that's appropriate. Belittling their career with a joke about Morecombe isn't. To do so and when pulled up on it to claim it was just a J O K E and then to insult me speaks far more about you than it does about me.

[ProfessorDavey]

Heard a rather entertaining Previn anecdote from my choir's musical director (who'd met his many times over his career).

Apparently he was hired by the LSO largely on the basis of a fantastic performance conduction Rachmaninov's 2nd piano concerto.

So the first thing he did with the LSO was an extended tour of the US with Rachmaninov's 2nd part of the programme every night. Well actually every night except one concert where it was replaced by Beethoven 5th. Previn had missed this completely until the night before when he realised to his horror that he was to conduct a piece he'd not done before and was totally unprepared. Fortunately the orchestra leader was also a conductor and said he'd coach Previn - 'just do what I'd do, keep it simple and we'll do the rest - we know the piece like the back of our hands - it will be fine'.

But on the night Previn just couldn't help himself and added some trademark flamboyance - resulting in a complete car-wreck with half the orchestra coming in on da-da-da-dum a full bar before the rest.

After the concert Previn apologised profusely to the orchestra and bought everyone a drink, at which the long-suffering orchestra leader was hear to mutter:

'Hmm - Beethoven 5 - LSO nil.

A great man and such a range of musical talent (even if it doesn't extend to conducting Beethoven's 5th without any preparation!).

[Nearly Sane]

Nice to know that when push comes to shove all you have are insults NS.

My point was that it is extremely belittling to someone with the range of influence in the world of music as Previn to boil down their phenomenal career to a single appearance on someone else's comedy show.  While that appearance might be hugely relevant to the impact of M&W in their chosen profession (comedy) is totally irrelevant to the importance of Previn in his chosen career (music).

Interestingly NS - you are often the person who starts the 'someone notable' has died threads - usually with just a link or with a link plus a generous comment on their importance and the sadness of their passing - that's appropriate. Belittling their career with a joke about Morecombe isn't. To do so and when pulled up on it to claim it was just a J O K E and then to insult me speaks far more about you than it does about me.

You really have a firm grip on the balloon of pomposity.

[ProfessorDavey]

You really have a firm grip on the balloon of pomposity.

Yet more insults - ho hum.

Anything to say on Previn's musical achievements?

[jeremyp]

My point was that it is extremely belittling to someone with the range of influence in the world of music as Previn to boil down their phenomenal career to a single appearance on someone else's comedy show.  While that appearance might be hugely relevant to the impact of M&W in their chosen profession (comedy) is totally irrelevant to the importance of Previn in his chosen career (music).

I was having similar thoughts when I first heard about the announcement. Obviously the entire media went to that sketch immediately when announcing his death and I thought it was kind of sad to be glossing over the rest of a substantial career

However, like it or not, that sketch is the only frame of reference most people have for who Preview was. You have to talk about it. I'm sorry to have to tell you this, but for the majority of people, that appearance on the Morcambe and Wise Show is the defining moment of Preview's career. Probably more people watched him on that show on its first airing than have ever seen him conduct an orchestra.

[Harrowby Hall]

Indeed, Jeremyp.

As publicity for a later M&W series, the BBC showed Andre Previn at work as a conductor - on a London transport bus ... saying something like "this is what appearing with Morecambe and Wise has done for my career." However - that Andre Previn was prepared to play along with the joke does say much that is positive about him.

I wonder if the millions who have seen the film version of My Fair Lady ever read the credits?

Incidentally, Yehudi Menuhin also once, briefly, appeared in a M&W programme. Eric asked him to bring his banjo.

[Harrowby Hall]

Heard a rather entertaining Previn anecdote from my choir's musical director (who'd met his many times over his career).

Apparently he was hired by the LSO largely on the basis of a fantastic performance conduction Rachmaninov's 2nd piano concerto.

So the first thing he did with the LSO was an extended tour of the US with Rachmaninov's 2nd part of the programme every night. Well actually every night except one concert where it was replaced by Beethoven 5th. Previn had missed this completely until the night before when he realised to his horror that he was to conduct a piece he'd not done before and was totally unprepared. Fortunately the orchestra leader was also a conductor and said he'd coach Previn - 'just do what I'd do, keep it simple and we'll do the rest - we know the piece like the back of our hands - it will be fine'.

But on the night Previn just couldn't help himself and added some trademark flamboyance - resulting in a complete car-wreck with half the orchestra coming in on da-da-da-dum a full bar before the rest.

After the concert Previn apologised profusely to the orchestra and bought everyone a drink, at which the long-suffering orchestra leader was hear to mutter:

'Hmm - Beethoven 5 - LSO nil.

A great man and such a range of musical talent (even if it doesn't extend to conducting Beethoven's 5th without any preparation!).

An interesting story - but I'm not sure that it has the ring of truth about it. Perhaps it has been embellished in the telling. It would already have been at least second hand by the time it reached your choir's director.

Previn was a thorough professional - and it is impossible that he did not know a staple orchestral piece such as Beethoven 5. If not with the LSO, he would have played it with his former orchestra in Houston. And do I not recall, in one of his TV programmes, him sitting away from the orchestra when it, conductorless, started playing Beethoven 5? I also recall him telling about the first time he conducted Stravinsky's Rite of Spring - with its myriad of shifting time signatures - and admitting that he had got lost but the orchestra played on and he was able to find his place again.

It is also very unlikely that there would not have been a seating rehearsal for a concert in a fresh location. Perhaps the incident happened in rehearsal rather than the show.

As for developing the ability to think on his feet, Andre Previn had spent years writing and recording scores for Hollywood films. This is an environment which requires split-second thinking and reaction ... and the ability to make instant changes if the film's director considers it necessary.

By the time he decided to settle as an orchestral conductor he was well past the stage where he would have behaved as you have suggested.

[ProfessorDavey]

However, like it or not, that sketch is the only frame of reference most people have for who Preview was. You have to talk about it. I'm sorry to have to tell you this, but for the majority of people, that appearance on the Morcambe and Wise Show is the defining moment of Preview's career. Probably more people watched him on that show on its first airing than have ever seen him conduct an orchestra.

I'm sorry Jeremy but I can't agree with you and you comment is amazingly UK-centric and parochial.

Andre Previn was a global star of the music world. While most of his career was spent in the USA, he held major positions on 3 continents and was a star in every continent. M&W, by contrast never made it beyond the UK. Indeed Previn had won 4 Oscars by the time M&W were making their failed attempt to break America in the mid 60s.

So it might be true that in the UK 'that sketch is the only frame of reference most people have for who Preview was'.

But in Germany, the country of his brith - nope
In the US, the country of his residence and most of his work in Hollywood and various orchestras - nope
In Norway where he was director of the Oslo Philharmonic - nope
In Japan where he was director of the NHK Symphony Orchestra - nope
etc, etc

Indeed I suspect the majority of people in those countries will never have heard of M&W, never seen that sketch and if they had the point of reference (the person they knew) would be Previn introducing them to the unknowns of M&W.

[ProfessorDavey]

An interesting story - but I'm not sure that it has the ring of truth about it. Perhaps it has been embellished in the telling. It would already have been at least second hand by the time it reached your choir's director.

Previn was a thorough professional - and it is impossible that he did not know a staple orchestral piece such as Beethoven 5. If not with the LSO, he would have played it with his former orchestra in Houston. And do I not recall, in one of his TV programmes, him sitting away from the orchestra when it, conductorless, started playing Beethoven 5? I also recall him telling about the first time he conducted Stravinsky's Rite of Spring - with its myriad of shifting time signatures - and admitting that he had got lost but the orchestra played on and he was able to find his place again.

It is also very unlikely that there would not have been a seating rehearsal for a concert in a fresh location. Perhaps the incident happened in rehearsal rather than the show.

As for developing the ability to think on his feet, Andre Previn had spent years writing and recording scores for Hollywood films. This is an environment which requires split-second thinking and reaction ... and the ability to make instant changes if the film's director considers it necessary.

By the time he decided to settle as an orchestral conductor he was well past the stage where he would have behaved as you have suggested.

Sure but it is a nice story.

[ProfessorDavey]

If not with the LSO, he would have played it with his former orchestra in Houston. And do I not recall, in one of his TV programmes, him sitting away from the orchestra when it, conductorless, started playing Beethoven 5? I also recall him telling about the first time he conducted Stravinsky's Rite of Spring - with its myriad of shifting time signatures - and admitting that he had got lost but the orchestra played on and he was able to find his place again.

Actually that is the point of the story - the orchestra leader effectively telling him to 'mime' with the orchestra knowing it well enough to perform basically without a conductor. However Previn confused the hell out of them at the beginning bringing half the orchestra in one bar before the rest.

[SusanDoris]

do you think, then, that we should not have mentioned M&W at all? Not even think about something that makes us all smile warmly and fondly at a memory which shows Previn's sense of humour, lack of pomposity? That does notmake us less respectful of André Previn's life and work and if we're not sure of a point, then we can look it up. I have had over the years many CDs of classical music with him as conductor because it was the best version to have.  If I could, I would go and find them and play them all, but I can't see which CD is which for a start, so I'm afraid I can't do that.

[Harrowby Hall]

On its Facebook page, on Thursday, the LSO paid the following tribute:

We are deeply saddened to hear of the death this morning of our Conductor Emeritus Andre Previn. He will be hugely missed by everyone at the LSO and remembered with great affection. May he always play the right notes in the right order.

https://lso.co.uk/1207-obituary-andre-previn-1929-2019.html

[ProfessorDavey]

do you think, then, that we should not have mentioned M&W at all? Not even think about something that makes us all smile warmly and fondly at a memory which shows Previn's sense of humour, lack of pomposity? That does notmake us less respectful of André Previn's life and work and if we're not sure of a point, then we can look it up.

Of course I'm not saying it shouldn't be mentioned. However what I am saying is that its prominence in the context of his life and work needs to be appropriate. So a brief mention (to bring a smile to those in the UK who are aware of the appearance) is fine, but if the focus is predominantly or even exclusively on this one appearance on a comedy show then - yes - this does lack respect for his work and achievements.

The LSO obit linked to by HH seems to get that balance right - the clear focus being his musical achievements with a brief nod to the appearance on M&W, with a photo. And of course the LSO are a UK based organisation so to nod to a UK-centric appearance briefly seems appropriate.

The New York times (from his country of residence and where he spent most of his career) is extensive and appropriate:

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/28/obituaries/andre-previn-dead.html

Mentions of M&W - zero. Why, because the mainly US based readers of the NY times would have had a clue what we were talking about had it been referenced.

[Nearly Sane]

Of course I'm not saying it shouldn't be mentioned. However what I am saying is that its prominence in the context of his life and work needs to be appropriate. So a brief mention (to bring a smile to those in the UK who are aware of the appearance) is fine, but if the focus is predominantly or even exclusively on this one appearance on a comedy show then - yes - this does lack respect for his work and achievements.

The LSO obit linked to by HH seems to get that balance right - the clear focus being his musical achievements with a brief nod to the appearance on M&W, with a photo. And of course the LSO are a UK based organisation so to nod to a UK-centric appearance briefly seems appropriate.

The New York times (from his country of residence and where he spent most of his career) is extensive and appropriate:

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/28/obituaries/andre-previn-dead.html

Mentions of M&W - zero. Why, because the mainly US based readers of the NY times would have had a clue what we were talking about had it been referenced.

Oh my god! Alert interinterpol, there's a UK based messageboard that had an post of Andrew Preview's death that wasn't like an obituary in the New York Times. Those who ride in the armour of self regard must stop this 'inappropriate' behaviour.