Composer, conductor and pianist André Previn is widely regarded as one of the most versatile and honored musicians in the world.
He works in jazz, film, classical and opera, and he is the recipient of Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Kennedy Center, the London Symphony Orchestra and The Recording Academy (the last of which honored Previn this year with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award).
But his cultural impact extends far beyond his artistic contributions. Previn, ever the bon vivant, is well known for his relationships with remarkable women. He’s been married five times, to the likes of actress and Woody Allen muse Mia Farrow and internationally renowned violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter, for whom he still composes. He also composes for renowned soprano Renée Fleming, including his first opera, “A Streetcar Named Desire.” No less a celebrity than the late Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis edited his memoir, “No Minor Chords.”
Previn will receive the prestigious Dushkin Award—bestowed upon the most revered and accomplished musical artists, educators and role models for students of the Music Institute of Chicago—on May 12 at the Institute’s Anniversary Gala at Chicago’s Four Seasons Hotel. Former recipients include Stephen Sondheim and Yo-Yo Ma. For our lively interview, Previn agreed only to speak about his work in music, not his equally fascinating personal life.
Make It Better: Of what in your career are you most proud?
André Previn: I’ve written quite a lot in the last 20 years, including “A Streetcar Named Desire,” a subsequent opera named “Brief Encounter,” violin sonatas, string quartets. There are at least 50 of my compositions regularly performed around the world.
What are you working on now?
A third opera, also written for Renée Fleming. Vocal music for Renée – you can’t lose!
I’m also writing a nonette. Don’t be concerned if you’ve never heard of that—I hadn’t either. It’s essentially two string quartets playing different tunes simultaneously, with a double bass added. Anne-Sophie (Mutter) asked me to compose this for her students.
Do you compose at the piano?
Never. It’s all in my head. I just try to find a quiet place and fill the empty page. I usually confirm how I thought it would sound on a piano later, though.
What is your advice for up-and-coming composers?
Try to write for a specific purpose—like a specific person, performing the piece at an agreed upon time and place. It doesn’t have to be for someone famous—just for someone, period. You are most fortunate if you get to write the piece for performers like Renée Fleming!
Do you believe that music connects a person with the divine?
I wouldn’t touch that question with a 10-foot pole. But I can say that if I have to spend a day without making, playing, writing or thinking about music, it’s a wasted day.
The Music Institute of Chicago is a community music school. What is your advice for students there?
I wish parents could come to grips with the fact that their kids are not likely to be virtuosos. That is not important! If they are able to play well enough to give themselves and their friends pleasure, that’s plenty. Adults should take lessons for the same reasons; it will give a great deal of pleasure to themselves and the people they love.
See his catalog of compositions here.
Previn will be honored at the Music Institute of Chicago’s Anniversary Gala, Monday, May 12, 5:30 p.m. at Four Seasons Hotel Chicago. This celebratory evening will also recognize Alexandra and John Nichols with the Cultural Visionary Award.
