# André Previn

> German-American conductor, pianist, and composer (1929–2019)

**Wikidata**: [Q155712](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q155712)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/André_Previn)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/andre-previn

## Summary
André Previn was a German-American conductor, pianist, and composer renowned for his versatility across classical, jazz, and film music. Born in Berlin in 1929, he became one of the most celebrated musical figures of the 20th century, known for his work as a conductor with major orchestras, his jazz performances, and his Academy Award-winning film scores.

## Biography
- **Born**: April 6, 1929, in Berlin, Germany
- **Died**: February 28, 2019
- **Nationality**: German-American
- **Education**: Beverly Hills High School
- **Known for**: Conducting, jazz piano, film composition, and classical music
- **Employer(s)**: Various orchestras, film studios, and record labels
- **Field(s)**: Music (conducting, composition, piano performance)

## Contributions
André Previn made significant contributions across multiple musical domains:
- **Film Scores**: Composed award-winning scores for films, earning Academy Awards for *Gigi* (1958), *Porgy and Bess* (1959), *Irma la Douce* (1963), and *My Fair Lady* (1964).
- **Classical Music**: Served as music director for major orchestras, including the Houston Symphony, London Symphony Orchestra, and Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.
- **Jazz Performances**: Recorded numerous jazz albums, collaborating with artists like Shelly Manne and Benny Carter.
- **Compositions**: Created original works for orchestra, chamber ensembles, and solo instruments, blending classical and jazz influences.
- **Conducting**: Led performances with renowned orchestras worldwide, including the Berlin Philharmonic and the Vienna Philharmonic.
- **Recordings**: Produced extensive discographies as a pianist, conductor, and composer, spanning classical, jazz, and film genres.

## FAQs
**What was André Previn's primary occupation?**
André Previn was a conductor, pianist, and composer, excelling in classical music, jazz, and film scoring.

**Which orchestras did André Previn conduct?**
Previn served as music director for the Houston Symphony, London Symphony Orchestra, and Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, among others.

**What awards did André Previn win?**
He won four Academy Awards for his film scores and received numerous other honors, including the Kennedy Center Honors and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

**Did André Previn compose jazz music?**
Yes, Previn was a notable jazz pianist and composer, recording several jazz albums and collaborating with prominent jazz musicians.

**Where was André Previn educated?**
Previn attended Beverly Hills High School, where he began his musical training.

**What genres of music did André Previn work in?**
Previn worked across classical music, jazz, and film scores, demonstrating versatility in each genre.

**What was André Previn's role in film music?**
He composed scores for numerous films, winning Academy Awards for *Gigi*, *Porgy and Bess*, *Irma la Douce*, and *My Fair Lady*.

**Did André Previn receive any honorary titles?**
Yes, he was awarded the Kennedy Center Honors and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, among other accolades.

**What was André Previn's influence on music?**
Previn bridged classical, jazz, and film music, influencing generations of musicians and composers with his innovative approach.

**What was André Previn's legacy?**
His legacy includes a vast body of work in conducting, composing, and performing, as well as his contributions to music education and cultural exchange.

## Why They Matter
André Previn's impact on music is profound and multifaceted. As a conductor, he brought fresh interpretations to classical repertoire, while his jazz performances and compositions expanded the boundaries of the genre. His film scores introduced classical and jazz elements to mainstream audiences, earning critical acclaim and commercial success. Previn's ability to seamlessly navigate between classical, jazz, and film music made him a unique figure in the music world, influencing both performers and composers. His work as a conductor with major orchestras and his contributions to music education further solidified his legacy as one of the most versatile and accomplished musicians of the 20th century.

## Notable For
- Winning four Academy Awards for film scores.
- Serving as music director for major orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra.
- Recording numerous jazz albums and collaborating with prominent jazz musicians.
- Composing original works that blend classical and jazz influences.
- Receiving the Kennedy Center Honors and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
- Bridging classical, jazz, and film music, influencing generations of musicians.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
André Previn was born on April 6, 1929, in Berlin, Germany. His family emigrated to the United States in 1939 to escape the Nazi regime. Previn attended Beverly Hills High School, where he began his musical training. His early exposure to both classical and jazz music shaped his versatile career.

### Career in Film Music
Previn's career in film music began in the 1950s, where he quickly gained recognition for his compositions. He won Academy Awards for his scores in *Gigi* (1958), *Porgy and Bess* (1959), *Irma la Douce* (1963), and *My Fair Lady* (1964). His work in film music introduced classical and jazz elements to mainstream audiences, earning both critical acclaim and commercial success.

### Classical Music and Conducting
Previn's contributions to classical music are equally significant. He served as music director for major orchestras, including the Houston Symphony, London Symphony Orchestra, and Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. His interpretations of classical repertoire were noted for their clarity and emotional depth. Previn also composed original works for orchestra, chamber ensembles, and solo instruments, often blending classical and jazz influences.

### Jazz Performances and Recordings
As a jazz pianist, Previn recorded numerous albums and collaborated with prominent jazz musicians such as Shelly Manne and Benny Carter. His jazz performances were characterized by their technical prowess and innovative approach, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile musician.

### Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Previn received numerous awards and honors, including the Kennedy Center Honors and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. These accolades reflect his significant contributions to music across multiple genres.

### Legacy and Influence
André Previn's legacy is marked by his ability to seamlessly navigate between classical, jazz, and film music. His work as a conductor, composer, and performer influenced generations of musicians and composers. Previn's contributions to music education and cultural exchange further solidified his impact on the music world. His vast body of work continues to inspire and influence musicians and audiences alike.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
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13. [Source](http://www.gramophone.co.uk/awards/2008/lifetime-achievement)
14. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1959)
15. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1960)
16. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1964)
17. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1965)
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19. [Source](https://www.amacad.org/person/andre-george-previn-kbe)
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24. [Source](https://lccn.loc.gov/2006568173)
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36. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1968)
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38. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1963)
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