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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Episode 1
Previn discusses Mozart's life and genius, performs his "C-Major Sonata for Four Hands" with Patricia Prattis-Jennings, then conducts the symphony in "piano Concerto No. 20 in D minor".
Episode 2
Previn conducts the symphony in Stravinsky's "Firebird", and soloist Horatio Gutierrez plays Tchaikovsky's "Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-Flat Minor".
Episode 3
The award-winning Broadway composer-lyricist talks about his craft and the state of today's musical theatre. Cast members of the London revue "Side by Side by Sondheim" perform three of his songs, including the Grammy-winning "Send In The Clowns".
Episode 4
Previn and guest Thomas Hoving, director of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, examine the Impressionistic movement and its influence in music. Previn conducts the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra in examples of what they discussed: Debussy's "Afternoon of a Faun", Ravel's "Daphnis and Chloe", and others.
Episode 5
Jazz pianist Oscar Peterson joins Previn at the keyboard for a lively two-man show of conversation and music reflecting on Peterson's career and the creation and improvisation of the jazz sound.
Episode 6
As television cameras observe an actual Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra rehearsal, Previn explains the importance of the rehearsal process.
Episode 7
Violinist Isaac Stern joins pianist Andre Previn and cellist Michael Grebanier of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra for an intimate program of chamber music and conversation.
Episode 8
Previn conducts the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra as they perform "Symphony No. 2" by Brahms and "Classical Symphony" by Prokofiev.
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