André Previn's magnificent album, A Classical Journey from Enigma to Nutcracker, is a masterful compilation of iconic classical pieces, showcasing the maestro's profound understanding and appreciation of the genre. Released on 26 September 2024 under the esteemed Warner Classics label, this extensive collection spans an impressive 3 hours and 24 minutes, featuring a diverse range of compositions that will captivate and inspire.
From the enigmatic themes of Elgar's Variations on an Original Theme to the enchanting melodies of Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake and The Nutcracker, André Previn's expert curation takes the listener on a sonic journey through the realms of classical music. The album also features notable works by Prokofiev, Mendelssohn, Ravel, and Mozart, among others, highlighting the richness and complexity of the classical repertoire.
With its thoughtful selection of orchestral pieces, A Classical Journey from Enigma to Nutcracker is a testament to André Previn's dedication to the art form. The album's expansive tracklist, which includes Holst's The Planets, Debussy's Images pour orchestre, and Beethoven's Symphony No. 5, demonstrates Previn's deep respect for the classical tradition and his ability to craft a compelling narrative through music.
Through this album, André Previn invites fans of classical music to immerse themselves in a world of beauty and elegance, where the boundaries of time and style are transcended by the timeless power of music. A Classical Journey from Enigma to Nutcracker is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates the sophistication and emotional depth of classical music, and a fitting tribute to the enduring legacy of André Previn.
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": ThemeEdward Elgar, André Previn, London Symphony Orchestra
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation I. C.A.E.Edward Elgar, André Previn, London Symphony Orchestra
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation II. H.D.S-P.Edward Elgar, André Previn, London Symphony Orchestra
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation III. R.B.T.Edward Elgar, André Previn, London Symphony Orchestra
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation IV. W.M.B.Edward Elgar, André Previn, London Symphony Orchestra
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation V. R.P.A.Edward Elgar, André Previn, London Symphony Orchestra
Prokofiev: Symphony No. 1 in D Major, Op. 25 "Classical": III. GavotteSergei Prokofiev, André Previn, London Symphony Orchestra
Mendelssohn: A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op. 61, MWV M13: No. 10, Funeral MarchFelix Mendelssohn, André Previn, London Symphony Orchestra
Mendelssohn: A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op. 61, MWV M13: No. 11, Dance of the ClownsFelix Mendelssohn, André Previn, London Symphony Orchestra
Mendelssohn: A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op. 61, MWV M13: No. 12, Allegro vivaceFelix Mendelssohn, André Previn, London Symphony Orchestra
Mendelssohn: A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op. 61, MWV M13: No. 13, Finale. "Tro' This House Give Glim'ring Light"Felix Mendelssohn, André Previn, Delia Wallis, Finchley Children's Music Group, Lillian Watson, London Symphony Orchestra
Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake, Op. 20, Act 2: No. 10, ScenePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, André Previn, London Symphony Orchestra
Ravel: Valses nobles et sentimentales, M. 61: No. 2, Assez lent, avec une expression intenseMaurice Ravel, André Previn, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker, Op. 71: Miniature OverturePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, André Previn, London Symphony Orchestra
Mozart: Concerto for 2 Pianos No. 10 in E-Flat Major, K. 365: III. Rondo. AllegroWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, André Previn, Radu Lupu, London Symphony Orchestra
Holst: The Planets, Op. 32: IV. Jupiter, the Bringer of JollityGustav Holst, André Previn, London Symphony Orchestra
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation VI. YsobelEdward Elgar, André Previn, London Symphony Orchestra
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation VII. TroyteEdward Elgar, André Previn, London Symphony Orchestra
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation VIII. W.N.Edward Elgar, André Previn, London Symphony Orchestra
Elgar: Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 "Enigma": Variation IX. NimrodEdward Elgar, André Previn, London Symphony Orchestra
Mendelssohn: A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op. 61, MWV M13: No. 9, Wedding MarchFelix Mendelssohn, André Previn, London Symphony Orchestra
Dvořák: Slavonic Dances, Op. 72, B. 147: No. 1 in B Major, OdzemekAntonín Dvořák, André Previn, London Symphony Orchestra
Bernstein: Candide: OvertureLeonard Bernstein, André Previn, London Symphony Orchestra
Vaughan Williams: Fantasia on GreensleevesRalph Vaughan Williams, André Previn, London Symphony Orchestra
Debussy: Images pour orchestre, CD 118, L. 122, Pt. 2 "Iberia": No. 3, Le matin d'un jour de fêteClaude Debussy, André Previn, London Symphony Orchestra
Beethoven: Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 67: III. Scherzo. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, André Previn, London Symphony Orchestra
Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 4 in A Major, Op. 90, MWV N16 "Italian": II. Andante con motoFelix Mendelssohn, André Previn, London Symphony Orchestra
Ravel: Pavane pour une infante défunte, M. 19 (Orchestral Version)Maurice Ravel, André Previn, London Symphony Orchestra
Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 17 in G Major, K. 453: III. AllegrettoWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, André Previn, Sir Adrian Boult, London Symphony Orchestra
Beethoven: Symphony No. 7 in A Major, Op. 92: III. PrestoLudwig van Beethoven, André Previn, London Symphony Orchestra
Dukas: L'Apprenti sorcierPaul Dukas, André Previn, London Symphony Orchestra
Haydn: Symphony No. 94 in G Major, Hob. I:94 "Surprise": IV. Finale. Allegro di moltoJoseph Haydn, André Previn, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
Prokofiev: Symphony No. 1 in D Major, Op. 25 "Classical": I. AllegroSergei Prokofiev, André Previn, London Symphony Orchestra
Prokofiev: Cinderella, Op. 87, Act 1: No. 19, Cinderella's Departure for the BallSergei Prokofiev, André Previn, London Symphony Orchestra
Britten: Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes, Op. 33a: No. 1, DawnBenjamin Britten, André Previn, London Symphony Orchestra
Britten: Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes, Op. 33a: No. 2, Sunday MorningBenjamin Britten, André Previn, London Symphony Orchestra
Britten: Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes, Op. 33a: No. 3, MoonlightBenjamin Britten, André Previn, London Symphony Orchestra
Britten: Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes, Op. 33a: No. 4, StormBenjamin Britten, André Previn, London Symphony Orchestra
Berlioz: Symphonie fantastique, Op. 14, H 48: IV. Marche au supplice. Allegretto non troppoHector Berlioz, André Previn, London Symphony Orchestra
Debussy: Nocturnes, CD 98, L. 91: No. 2, FêtesClaude Debussy, André Previn, London Symphony Orchestra
Brahms: Ein deutsches Requiem, Op. 45: V. Ihr habt nun TraurigkeitJohannes Brahms, André Previn, Ambrosian Singers, Margaret Price, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 20 in D Minor, K. 466: III. Rondo. Allegro assai (Cadenza by Previn)Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, André Previn, London Symphony Orchestra
André Previn, born Andreas Ludwig Priwin in Berlin, was a musical polymath whose career spanned over eight decades, leaving an indelible mark on the worlds of jazz, classical, and film music. A child prodigy, Previn's family fled Nazi persecution to settle in Los Angeles, where his extraordinary talents quickly gained recognition. His versatility was unparalleled; he was a celebrated pianist in both jazz and classical realms, a composer of Oscar-winning film scores, and a charismatic conductor who led some of the world's most prestigious orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Previn's discography is vast, with over 300 recordings that showcase his virtuosity and eclectic tastes. His contributions to music were honored with four Oscars and ten Grammy Awards, cementing his status as one of the most decorated musicians of his time. Beyond his technical prowess, Previn was known for his engaging personality, which shone through in his television appearances and collaborations with legendary musicians. His legacy endures as a testament to his boundless creativity and the seamless way he navigated multiple musical genres.