As we learn of André Previn’s death, we remember him with this glorious clip
At the age of 89, André Previn has died at his home in New York. Although he was a world-renowned conductor, composer and virtuoso pianist, in the UK at least, he is most-fondly remembered for one classic TV moment. In the 1971 Morecambe and Wise Christmas Show, he appeared as conductor to Eric’s hilariously awful classical pianist – well, just watch for yourself.
The fact that this giant of the classical world was happy to allow himself to be referred to as “Mr. Preview” and was prepared to play in such a comical style speaks volumes and it undoubtedly eternally endeared him to the British public.
Twitter user Nick Britten summed up the situation with this post.
Mr Previn, you may have been a world renowned pianist, conductor, and composer, winner of four Academy Awards and ten Grammy Awards but for most people in Britain you will always be remembered for this sketch.
Not a bad legacy to have I think?
RIP Andre Previn. pic.twitter.com/cD4RcYWpNH
— Nick Britten (@Nick_Britten) February 28, 2019
Other tributes had the same thing in mind.
RIP Andre Previn you musical (and comedy) genius pic.twitter.com/LVqz5TLWVl
— HappyToast ★ (@IamHappyToast) February 28, 2019
Farewell, André Previn. He played all the right notes, and usually in the right order. What a life. All those Oscars, awards and achievements and yet most of my generation will always think of him as Andre Preview, conducting Eric Morecambe. He probably wouldn't mind…
— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) February 28, 2019
I’ve heard Eric Morecambe relaxed when he heard Previn ad lib “I’ll go and fetch my baton… it’s in Chicago”. Wonderful. Can you imagine mainstream TV now having someone and something so “highbrow” as Previn and a skit on classical music on prime time TV? RIP Mr Preview.
— sdavies (@steviedcheshire) February 28, 2019
He could've been a straight guy in a comedy act, his facials are just perfect, RIP to a tremendous talent and from what I've seen and heard a genuinely lovely person
— Adam Hulbert (@AdamHulbert) February 28, 2019
R.I.P. André Previn – one of the greats.
Video courtesy of BBC