Previn and the Pittsburgh

1977 – 1982
Ended
Documentary
4 seasons
8.0/10

Renowned composer, conductor, and pianist Andre Previn welcomes one or more musical guests for conversation and performance, either accompanied by Mr. Previn on piano or in concert with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Produced by WQED and syndicated nationally on PBS, the series was notable among musical performance programs for its deft camera work and editing. The episode The Music That Made the Movies was nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Music Direction.

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Latest: Season 4 · 1982

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After finding a new corporate sponsor, the program returned in the fall of 1982 with a final, abbreviated season. Though referred to as "specials", the episodes aired in the usual timeslot on a monthly cadence, with a format and runtime similar to earlier seasons.

E1. Perlman: Cool and Classic
Oct 6, 1982 · 60m
A candid close-up on the making of a jazz record, this special features violinist Itzhak Perlman, Andre Previn on piano, Shelly Manne on drums, Red Mitchell on bass, and Jim Hall on guitar playing original music by Previn.
E2. Rachmaninov
Nov 3, 1982 · 60m
Pianist Horacio Gutierrez joins Andre Previn and the Pittsburgh Symphony for a performance of Rachmaninov's Third Piano Concerto from Heinz Hall, and a humorous chat about the composer's thoughts and problems with his 1909 masterpiece.
E3. The British Festival
Dec 15, 1982 · 60m
Highlights from Pittsburgh's city-wide festival honoring British music and arts in the fall of 1981. Cellist Yo-Yo Ma joins Previn and the Pittsburgh Symphony to perform Sir Edward Elgar's "Cello Concerto". The Symphony also performs the final movement of the Second Symphony of Sir William Walton. British composers Oliver Knussen, John McCabe, and Sir Michael Tippett also appear.