CLXXI. PREVIN, André: Concerto for Violin and Orchestra ("Anne-Sophie")

CLXXI. PREVIN, André (1929-2019)

Concerto for Violin and Orchestra ("Anne-Sophie") (2001)
1. Moderato
2. Cadenza -- Slowly
3. Andante ("from a train in Germany")
Anne-Sophie Mutter, violin
Boston Symphony Orchestra
André Previn,cond.
(39:45)

What a life!

At six, he entered the Berlin Conservatory. A few years later, he was no longer welcome, being Jewish.

With stopovers in Paris and New York, the family eventually ended up in Los Angeles in 1938. He learned English (his third language) from reading comic books, using a dictionary and watching films ...

Hmm, film ... he began working for MGM while still in high school, later studying with Pierre Monteux. He has over 50 films credits as a composer, conductor, arranger and/or performer.

He was a tremendous jazz pianist, usually preferring to play in a trio setting.

He became a very good conductor:

• Houston Symphony (1967-69)
  
• London Symphony (1968-79)
• Pittsburgh Symphony (1976-84)
• Los Angeles Philharmonic (1985-89)
• Royal Philharmonic (1985-1992)
• Oslo Philharmonic (1985-1992)

**

Mutter was his fifth wife. They married in 2002 and divorced in 2006, but remained friends.

This delightful, very romantic concerto is a perfect fit for Mutter, whose tone can be described as rich and buttery. Naturally, it is beautifully orchestrated with many sections of lush harmonies accompanying the flowing lines he wrote for her.

The music intensifies with each movement, and ends with a bravura cadenza and a calm dissonance in the woodwinds -- and finally dissolves with Anne-Sophie way up high and the orchestra subsiding, throbbing into nothingness.

A great concerto for the 21st century!