Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

Jazz Pianist Extraordinaire

Andre Previn talks to Donald Macleod about his meteoric success as a jazz pianist in the 1950s - and his troubled marriage to the gifted lyricist Dory Langdon.

Donald Macleod talks to Andr茅 Previn about his meteoric success as a jazz pianist in the 1950s - and his troubled marriage to the gifted lyricist Dory Langdon.

Andr茅 Previn is one of our most iconic musical celebrities - a world-renowned conductor, a multi-award-winning jazz and classical pianist, and a household name to millions after his appearance as Morecambe and Wise's guest "Andrew Preview". With five former marriages, including to actress Mia Farrow and violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter, Previn's never been far from the arts - and the gossip - pages of the newspapers. And yet, his formidable talents as a composer have often been overlooked. This week, Donald Macleod explores Andr茅 Previn's career as a movie, jazz and classical composer, exclusively in conversation Previn himself as they explore his remarkable musical life.

Having built a career as a brilliant young film composer, Andr茅 Previn's career as a jazz pianist suddenly took off in 1954, when his album "My Fair Lady" - his own trio arrangements of the popular musical - became the bestselling album the jazz industry had ever experienced. Catapulted into fame, and still only in his early 20s, Previn became one of the most sought-after pianists of his generation - simultaneously releasing dozens of jazz albums whilst honing his skills as a classical pianist. He speaks to Donald Macleod about his career as a jazz and popular composer, and discusses his relationship with the gifted but troubled lyricist Dory Langdon - his second wife and longtime collaborator. We'll hear a trio of their songs, and from one of Previn's most significant concert hall works - his Guitar Concerto, written for the virtuoso soloist John Williams.

1 hour

Music Played

  • Andr茅 Previn

    Concerto for guitar, electric guitar, bass and drums - last movement

    Orchestra: London Symphony Orchestra. Performer: John Williams.
    • Sony Classical SK47250.
    • Sony Classical.
    • 1.
  • Andr茅 Previn

    Concerto for guitar, electric guitar, bass and drums 1st movement

    Orchestra: London Symphony Orchestra. Performer: John Williams.
    • Sony Classical SK47250.
    • Sony Classical.
    • 1.
  • Andr茅 Previn

    Vocalise for voice, cello and piano

    Performer: Yo鈥怸o Ma.
    • SONY : SK-62004.
    • SONY.
    • 10.
  • Andr茅 Previn

    Andre's Blues

    • Alone.
    • Decca.
    • 3.
  • Andr茅 Previn

    Where, I Wonder

    Singer: Leontyne Price. Orchestra: Studio Orchestra.
    • RCA: GD82923.
    • RCA.
    • 12.
  • Frederick Loewe

    My fair lady - musical/film [1956]

    Performer: Leroy Vinnegar. Performer: Shelly Manne. Performer: Andr茅 Previn.
    • Contemporary Records C3527.
    • Contemporary Records.
    • 1.
  • Dionne Warwick

    (Theme From) Valley of the Dolls

    • TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX: 4196.
    • TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX.
    • 12.
  • Andr茅 Previn

    Song From Two For The Seesaw (Second Chance)

    Singer: Jackie Cain. Orchestra: MGM Studio Orchestra.
    • Two For The See Saw (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack).
    • UNITED ARTISTS.
    • 9.

Broadcasts

  • Tue 16 Dec 2014 12:00
  • Tue 16 Dec 2014 18:30

Beethoven Unleashed 鈥 the box set

Beethoven Unleashed 鈥 the box set

The complete set of Radio 3 Beethoven Unleashed podcasts, with Donald Macleod.

What was really wrong with Beethoven?

What was really wrong with Beethoven?

Georgia Mann and neurosurgeon Henry Marsh examine the composer's numerous health problems

Composers A to Z

Composers A to Z

Visit the extensive audio archive of Radio 3 programmes about Composers and their works.

Who knew? Five eye-opening stories from Composer of the Week

Who knew? Five eye-opening stories from Composer of the Week

The production team reflects on 5 of Donald Macleod鈥檚 best stories from the last 20 years

Five reasons why we love Parry's Jerusalem

What is the strange power of Jerusalem which makes strong men weep?

A man out of time 鈥 why Parry's music and ideas were at odds with his image...

The composer of Jerusalem was very far from the conservative figure his image suggests.

Composer Help Page

Find resources and contacts for composers from within the classical music industry.