André Previn rehearses Rachmaninov’s Symphonic Dances (end of first movement) with the Leicestershire Schools Symphony Orchestra [1973, seven minutes]

Aug 30, 2021 | Videos | 3 comments

3 Comments

Andrew Keener on August 31, 2021 at 8:39 am

A delightful find, Col, a reminder not only of the civilised, intelligent and humorous man Previn was, but – sadly – one of how music education has slipped down the priority list over the past decades. The Leicestershire Schools Symphony Orchestra (‘the other LSO’, as Previn described them) seems to be still a going concern, thanks to an enlightened education authority. Would that others took a leaf out of their book.
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EDWARD CLARK on August 31, 2021 at 11:15 am

What a wonderful
extract Colin.
I remember seeing on tv Previn rehearse this movement with his “other” LSO and giving the gorgeous end tune the same amount of time and effort to achieve the maximum emotional
“Pull” on our heart strings.
This younger LSO has always been the premier youth orchestra in the country and getting the maestro to rehearse and presumably perform this fantastic work must be a highlight in their history.
Previn is still
regarded in some quarters as a bit of a showman but he was in reality the epitome of a professional musician capable of superb results in certain repertoire . Forget Beethoven think Vaughan Williams and many other such treasurable composers we carry close to our hearts.
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canderson on August 31, 2021 at 7:26 pm

Thanks guys. I wonder, nearly fifty years on (!), how these talented youngsters might now recall this illuminating rehearsal with the friendly and witty Mr Previn?
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