André George Previn, a celebrated German-born American pianist, conductor, and composer of unparalleled distinction, bestowed upon the world of music an enduring legacy that continues to reverberate across generations. Born Andreas Ludwig Priwin on April 6, 1929, Previn's extraordinary career, spanning an impressive seven decades, was marked by a plethora of remarkable achievements that left an indelible mark on the realms of film music, classical music, and beyond.
Andrés Segovia Previn, a virtuosic master arranger and composer, left an indelible mark on the world of cinema, meticulously crafting the music for an astonishing number of over 50 films, each one showcasing his remarkable versatility and breadth of style.
His extensive filmography, a testament to his unwavering dedication and artistic prowess, garnered him an impressive four Academy Awards, a distinction that speaks volumes about his exceptional skill and mastery of his craft.
Beyond his work in film, Previn's recorded output was equally impressive, earning him an astonishing ten Grammy Awards, a remarkable testament to his talent and artistry.
And, in recognition of his enduring contributions to the world of music, Previn was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award, a fitting tribute to his remarkable career and legacy.
Born, he was, in 1926, in the city of Berlin, Germany, where he began his musical journey, and it is there that his love for music first took root, a passion that would drive him to become one of the most celebrated and respected figures in the world of classical music.
With his family fleeing Nazi Germany in 1939, Previn found himself in the United States, where he would go on to study at the Juilliard School, and later at the Curtis Institute of Music.
Throughout his illustrious career, Previn worked with some of the most renowned conductors and orchestras in the world, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
As a composer, Previn was known for his versatility, penning works in a wide range of styles, from symphonies and concertos to operas and musicals.
And, as an arranger, Previn was renowned for his ability to take complex musical scores and transform them into works of beauty and elegance, his arrangements of works by the likes of Mozart, Beethoven, and Bach being particularly renowned.
Throughout his life, Previn was recognized with numerous honors and awards, including his four Academy Awards, ten Grammy Awards, and his Lifetime Achievement Award.
And, though he passed away in 1992, his legacy lives on, his music continuing to inspire and delight audiences around the world, a testament to the enduring power of his art.
Throughout the span of his remarkable and illustrious professional journey, Previn occupied prestigious positions with a multitude of renowned and respected orchestras. He served as the music director of the esteemed Houston Symphony Orchestra, a position that showcased his exceptional leadership and musical prowess. Additionally, he held the same esteemed role with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, further solidifying his reputation as a masterful conductor. Moreover, Previn also had the privilege of serving as the music director of the illustrious Los Angeles Philharmonic, where he had the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse range of talented musicians and artists. Furthermore, he also held the position of music director with the Oslo Philharmonic, a prestigious orchestra that has a rich history of producing outstanding musical performances.
