Andre Previn on Desert Island Discs 1996 with Sue Lawley

Interview with composer and conductor Sir Andre Previn where he reflects back on his life. He talks about his early days in Germany and reveals that his father was advised to leave Berlin by a SS Man. He talks about his early begining in America and how he got started working Hollywood. He became disillusioned with Hollywood moreover he felt he could achieve more and be tested more in the classical arena, This is an edited version of the interview where I have included some extra classical music from his work as a conductor as well his work as an arranger in Hollywood. Please leave comments if you so wish.

(Andre Previn played piano on the film score for Madam Bovary 1949)

[אליעזרקנטור]

He was the greatest musician of the a nice man!

[jefolson]

Lovely man and in private VERY funny! By the time i met him he was a cherubic little old guy with rosey cheeks and an easy laugh. His eyes always shined with laughter.

[HaydnGuite]

A wonderful talent and a genuinely lovely man. He was enormously versatile and transformed the LOS. Plus, he endeared himself to the general public through his appearance on Morecambe and Wise's 1971 Xmas 🎄 show. His contribution to music 🎶 is still greatly missed Thanks for the entertainment Mr Previn ❤ 😊

[Bruce-]

To me he is part of the greatest comedy sketch ever on the BBC.

[MOGGS]

Ah, the very wonderful Andre Previn, aka Mr. Preview. He transformed the London Symphony Orchestra. He endeared himself to the general public by appearing as the straight man for Morecambe and Wise. Some of my most treasured recordings are by Mr. P.

[t.p.mckenna]

I really wish the BBC would put all the marvellous shows he did for them online. He was a consummate communicator.

[paullewis]

The Tallis Fantasia, the combination of two English composers, separated by centuries yet resulting in one of the most glorious works of music ever created.

[songsmitha]

Previn was always a serious musician. His talents were more varied than most in his trade, enabling him to
cross musical borders. Let's not forget that Hollywood produced much memorable music/arrangements/
orchestrations that stand the test of time. After all, music is essentially about entertaining above everything..

[paullewis]

I grew up appreciating great music with recordings by Andre Previn and of course many other highly talented musicians from the 1960’s. . He introduced me to Walton’s amazing first symphony and also the violin concerto which became my favourite. Wonderful memories.

[ant]

Some lovely music choices, especially Mutter's playing of Beethoven.
I have at least one disc of Previn/LSO, playing Rachmaninov 2nd.
Thanks

[t.p.mckenna]

You'll hear a faint rumbling from time to time. This was because DID would be recorded in one of the basement studios of Broadcasting House in London, under which ran the Bakerloo line of the underground.

[MrDaiseymay]

EXCELLENT, I REALLY ENJOYED THAT, , BUT, I STILL PREFERED ERIC's VERSON, OF THAT PIANO CON-SHIRT 'O

[chelSEY]

Previn is very wry and charming. And his taste in music is faultless.

[martinadams]

I really like the orchestral arrangements from Gigi and My Fair Lady played here. Is this available on a CD?

[mordachiapeargut]

Very entertaining. Usually don't like the American accent, but he has a very relaxed way of talking. Plus he arranged the music for my favourite film, My fair lady. His coice of music great, except for Mozart, that I don't like.

[songsmitha]

P.S. I enjoyed reading Previn's autobiography some years ago in which he mentioned his experiences
of Hollywood stars/personalities, mostly entertaining and occasionally a bit waspish.

[ftumschk]

3:40 ... and six years later, Previn and Anne-Sophie Mutter would get married. Personally, I'd have been content with her autograph :)

[MrTann]

A very overbearing and annoying interviewer.. but Previn is wonderful in this interview.