André Previn Essentials

To get a sense of who André Previn was, consider that in the '60s, he used to host concerts where he'd lead a classical concerto before intermission and a jazz trio after. A true—and rare—polymath, Previn was one of the busiest musicians of the 20th century, piloting a nearly 75-year career as a pianist, conductor and composer who covered everything from easy-listening film scores to Russian symphonies to jazz standards. He traversed high and low, club and concert hall with infectious ease. Befitting a creative life that had a little of everything, here's a wide-ranging playlist designed to provide a glimpse into the world of André Previn.