R.I.P. André Previn (1929-2019)

German-born but US-raised
Andreas, renamed André, stays
Out of harm's way, (times were cruel)
And in the New World goes to school.

Clever on the piano keys
A virtuoso – more jazz please!
Composer, class extraordinaire
Married (and divorced)* - with flair!

Conductor's baton to command
World traveller, greatly in demand;
Flown to the UK – André tries
To pick up Morecambe's cues with Wise...

Back in 1971 this skit
Was overwhelmingly a hit
Since that moment, strange but true
Monsieur Previn is «Preview»!

Now Berlin's babe at 89
Has left the stage for the last time
His career held audiences in thrall
But those 8 minutes** beat them all!

(c) Poet in the woods 2019

* five times, most famously with Mia Farrow 1970-79)

** 8 minute sketch on the Morecombe & Wise Show (1971)

André George Previn, né Andreas Ludwig Priwin: 6.4.1929 - 28.2.2019