Andre Previn Quotes

Powerful Andre Previn for Daily Growth

About Andre Previn

Andre Previn (April 6, 1929 – February 28, 2019), born András Previn, was a prolific and versatile composer, conductor, and pianist of American, British, and German descent. Previn's multifaceted career spanned six decades, making him one of the most celebrated figures in 20th-century music. Born in Berlin to Jewish parents, Previn's family fled Nazi Germany when he was nine, immigrating to the United States. He began his musical studies at the age of five and made his professional debut as a pianist with the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra at thirteen. Previn's early influences ranged from classical composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Mahler, to jazz greats such as Duke Ellington, George Gershwin, and Cole Porter. His versatility allowed him to excel in various genres, including film music, which would become a significant part of his career. Previn's first major break came when he was hired as an arranger for MGM studios in the 1950s. Over the next few decades, he composed scores for over 100 films, earning four Academy Awards and numerous other accolades. Some of his most renowned film scores include "Gigi" (1958), "Porgy and Bess" (1959), "Elmer Gantry" (1960), "My Fair Lady" (1964), and "The Sound of Music" (1965). In addition to his film work, Previn composed numerous concert works, including five symphonies, operas, chamber music, and ballets. His compositions were characterized by their emotional depth, technical brilliance, and rich orchestration. Previn was a naturalized U.S. citizen but held British citizenship as well, having been knighted in 1988 for his contributions to music. He married five times, including to actresses Mia Farrow and Dory Previn. Throughout his life, Andre Previn demonstrated an unparalleled ability to bridge the worlds of classical music, jazz, and film scoring, leaving a lasting impact on the musical landscape of the 20th century.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Art is a search for something that does not exist."

Andre Previn's quote suggests that art, in its purest form, represents an ongoing pursuit or quest to discover, create, or express something that has no tangible or definitive existence beforehand. This could be an emotion, idea, or concept that is intangible or abstract. In other words, artists strive to bring new and unique experiences into the world through their work, pushing boundaries, challenging perceptions, and illuminating aspects of humanity that were previously undefined or unrecognized. The process of creating art allows us to explore our own limitations and possibilities, transforming the unknown into something tangible, if only for a moment.

"Jazz is a living music, constantly evolving and moving forward."

Andre Previn's quote underscores that jazz, unlike many other musical genres, thrives on innovation and change. It embodies an ever-evolving art form, constantly pushing boundaries, adapting to new influences, and moving forward with the times. This makes it a vibrant, dynamic, and uniquely alive musical expression.

"Music is like wine: some turn to vinegar with age, but the best improve."

This quote by Andre Previn suggests that just as a good wine matures and improves over time, so too can music. Not all music follows this trajectory, as some may deteriorate or lose its appeal with age. However, the exceptional pieces of music, like fine wines, continue to grow and improve, gaining depth and richness with each passing year. This perspective emphasizes the timeless nature of great music and encourages us to appreciate it for its potential to evolve and deepen our understanding over time.

"Classical music is what we call the art of the past, jazz is the art of the present, and pop is the art of today."

Andre Previn's quote emphasizes that classical music is rooted in history, while jazz and popular music are more contemporary forms of artistic expression. In essence, he proposes a temporal division, where classical music represents the past, jazz symbolizes the present, and pop denotes the current era of musical innovation. Each genre carries unique characteristics and cultural relevance, reflecting societal evolution over time.

"You have to be true to yourself as an artist and not try to be something you're not."

This quote by Andre Previn emphasizes the importance of authenticity in artistic expression. It encourages artists to stay true to their unique identities, talents, and creative visions rather than attempting to imitate others or conform to expectations. Authenticity in art allows for genuine emotional connections with audiences, fostering a more personal and impactful artistic experience.

When I composed, I heard my music played by the orchestra within days of completion of the score. No master at a conservatory, no matter how revered, can teach as much by verbal criticism as can a cold and analytical hearing of one's own music being played.

- Andre Previn

Cold, Own, Analytical, Conservatory

At MGM, you knew you were going to be working next year; you knew you were going to get paid. But I was too ambitious musically to settle for it. And I wanted to gamble with whatever talent I might have had.

- Andre Previn

Year, Next, Going, MGM

John Williams is, without question, talented. He writes very good scores and very good melodies and all that.

- Andre Previn

Question, Melodies, Very, Writes

A Beethoven symphony should be rehearsed like chamber music, only for a lot more people.

- Andre Previn

Music, Lot, More People, Symphony

People who don't do jazz think it's black magic. But really, it's just a matter of getting used to it. It's fun to gamble. The trick is not to fall back on the things you've done before.

- Andre Previn

Magic, Think, Gamble, Black Magic

I found that jazz musicians, possibly more than their classical counterparts, wear long-standing friendships easily and gracefully.

- Andre Previn

Musicians, Jazz, More, Possibly

I run around so much that I finally reasoned that composing is the one musical endeavour which you can do anywhere, anytime.

- Andre Previn

Finally, Which, Musical, Endeavour

I've had the healthy and sobering experience of constantly working with music that is invariably better than any performance of it can be.

- Andre Previn

Experience, Had, Constantly, Sobering

I stuck around in Hollywood for too long. I was there a long time, and when I left, I was smart enough to realise that what I was leaving was not just the movie business. I wanted to get rid of the whole atmosphere.

- Andre Previn

Hollywood, Movie, Atmosphere, Stuck

I don't write things that are wildly abstractly atonal.

- Andre Previn

Write, Things, Wildly

I admire Elliott Carter endlessly. But I have no ambitions to emulate him.

- Andre Previn

Admire, Carter, Endlessly, Emulate

Elliott Carter does not write the kind of music that the kids go off to school whistling.

- Andre Previn

Music, School, Whistling, Carter

I'm on very good terms with all my former wives.

- Andre Previn

Very, Terms, Wives, Former

When you're working with music that is invariably better than you are, it's difficult to become swell-headed.

- Andre Previn

Music, Better, Than, Invariably

I have a great many shortcomings, but writing for something on time has never bothered me.

- Andre Previn

Writing, Never, Shortcomings, Bothered

I finally wasn't interested in writing music that played while actors talked.

- Andre Previn

Music, Writing, Finally, Talked

I don't even have a cell phone. I don't know how they work.

- Andre Previn

Phone, How, Even, Cell

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