Andre Previn: Brief Encounter

The lengthy list of André Previn’s talents includes composition. Brief Encounter, his second opera, is a compassionate, exquisitely touching study of emotional infidelity. This release was recorded live at the opera’s world premiere in 2009.

Based on the screenplay by Noël Coward (that became a memorable film directed by David Lean and starring Trevor Howard and Celia Johnson), Brief Encounter stars Elizabeth Futral and Nathan Gunn as lovers whose innate morality makes their rapturous gratitude for one another excruciating, since they are already wed to others. Kim Josephson is moving as Laura’s bewildered husband; Patrick Summers conducts with his customary intelligence.

The Wall Street Journal wrote: “Mr. Previn’s lush, tonal score supplies a new dimension to this tale, giving a voice to the yearnings of Laura, the ordinary woman who is suddenly catapulted into extraordinary feelings”.

Previn turns 82 on April 6, 2011. Brief Encounter’s release on Deutsche Grammophon’s iconic 20/21 series is the label’s birthday salute to this uncommon musician.