Thanks to those who have submitted entries to the Guestbook page.
We appreciate hearing from people who enjoy Leroy Anderson's music.
You are invited to send your comments for us to include in the Guestbook.
Send your comments to:
- The Anderson Family
I have always had vague
recollections of Leroy Anderson's major works since my years as a child in
grammar school. Heard on the radio, extended play 45's, and selections heard in
various high school band concerts (including those of my own participation as a
mediocre trumpeter). The tunes such as Sleigh Ride, Blue Tango, Buglers Holiday
burned a lasting impression in my brain. But it wasn't until last year (1997)
when I obtained the 20+ selections on the CD release by Leonard Slatkin
conducting the St. Louis Symphony ("The Typewriter"), that I truly
appreciated the genius of Mr. Leroy Anderson. I never tire of dwelling on each
of these classics and analyzing the beauty and perfection of parts of these
songs played by each section of the orchestra. His music has been credited as
reflecting the moods of America in his time. It is also intriguing to read
biographical sketches of this truly gifted genius. It would be interesting to
know what feelings and impressions triggered the melodies of each of his great
works. What truly beautiful music he has given us!
Fred Rowe
Columbia, PA USA
Wednesday, December 30, 1998 at 01:20:48 (EST)
I would
advise everyone who enjoys the music of Leroy Anderson (and who doesn't?) to
purchase the original cast album of his musical GOLDILOCKS before it goes out
of print (if it hasn't already). It's available over the internet via CDNOW
(www.cdnow.com) and CDUNIVERSE (www.cduniverse.com); I just got my copy, and
it's an absolute delight. The music is Anderson at his best (which is saying a
lot), the lyrics are quite witty, and the performances--by Elaine Stritch, Don Ameche,
Pat Stanley, and Russell Nype--are great. My only regret is that I waited so
long to buy it. I've also seen the script for GOLDILOCKS, and while it has its
flaws, it's quite funny and certainly could be made to work with the right
actors. If there's a forgotten show that deserves a revival, this is it.
Jaime J. Weinman
Ottawa, Ontario Canada
Tuesday, December 15, 1998 at 14:59:48 (EST)
Leroy
Anderson's music is wonderful - Thank you for the site.
Ken Storry
ENGLAND
Monday, December 14, 1998 at 13:07:36 (EST)
A friend
visited last evening, and we played all six of my Leroy Anderson compact discs.
Very enjoyable.
Wilfred Johnson
Portland, OR USA
Wednesday, December 09, 1998 at 18:25:41 (EST)
I grew up
in southern Ohio in the area of Waverly. Years ago, I met a gentleman named
Greg Anderson (I believe that's the 1st name) who claimed to be a distant
relative of Leroy (I believe nephew) and I thought he said Leroy was from or
had ties to southern Ohio. Greg was a very good baritone player who had played
extensively in a military band at one time. Can anyone confirm and does anyone
know where Greg is? Thanks.
Bill Parker
Columbus, Ohio USA
Wednesday, December 09, 1998 at 15:36:52 (EST)
Like at
least one of your other writers, I've been searching for a CD version of Leroy
Anderson's "Christmas Carols" album (white cat on the cover), which
includes "A Christmas Festival", the best medley of Christmas carols
I've ever heard. My brother and I made tapes from the scratchy vinyl (from
endless playings over the years) copy my parents had. Why hasn't Decca figured
out that the range of carols--Christian, secular, and international--gives this
album real market potential? The arrangements are spectacular, the choices
tasteful and engaging, and the entire feel of the album puts it miles ahead of
so much of what's being pumped out today to capitalize on the holiday market.
Come on, Decca. Wake up and re-release this gem! Thanks for the website and
info re: more of Leroy Anderson's work. (I remember "The Syncopated
Clock" from childhood but never knew it was his composition!).
Steve Abbott
Columbus, OH USA
Monday, December 07, 1998 at 09:15:46 (EST)
I just
finished reading a nice article in the Columbus Dispatch about Leroy Anderson.
I think my first memory of his music was playing The Typewriter in high school
band. Congratulations on the 50 year anniversary of Sleigh Ride. We're playing
it at our Christmas concert by the Westerville (Ohio)Concert Band. There are
four of us in the percussion section, and we'll have fun with Sleigh Ride!
Kathy Samuelson
Columbus, Oh USA
Monday, December 07, 1998 at 00:26:51 (EST)
I love
leroy andersons Bugelers holoday and trumpeters lulaby i heard them being
played at a wonderful band and now i play lead trumpet because i loved those
two songs so much
Chris
belleville, Canada
Sunday, December 06, 1998 at 08:40:36 (EST)
The
McCullough Junior High Orchestra (two-time Texas state orchestra finalist) will
be performing the Applebaum string orchestra arrangement of Sleigh Ride on
Thursday, December 3, 1998 at 7:30 P.M. in the Woodlands High School
Auditorium. They will also be performing Plink,Plank, Plunk! on Thursday,
February 11, 1999 at 7:30 P.M. at the Woodlands High School Auditorium. Robert
Beck The Woodlands H.S./McCullough J.H. Orchestra Director
Robert Beck
The Woodlands,, TX USA
Thursday, December 03, 1998 at 15:37:02 (EST)
I learned
"Sleigh Ride" as an elementary school student, and was very fortunate
to have a music teacher who shared several other Anderson pieces with us. Now I
teach elementary school music, and I'm passing along "Sleigh Ride" to
another young audience, this time with an Orff approach.
Linda Agnello
USA
Monday, November 30, 1998 at 21:32:36 (EST)
He tenido
el placer de dirigir mucha m�sica de Anderson, y realmente es gratificante y a la
vez educativo. La M�sica de Leroy Anderson nos hace trabajar la mente y
llev�ndonos a un mundo de creaci�n y fantas�a. Por
favor, Ser�a posible obtener el material musical de la famosa
SERENATA, ser�a muy feliz. Felicidades.
Celso Torres- Mora
antofagasta, Chile
Sunday, November 29, 1998 at 11:03:29 (EST)
I have
loved the music of Leroy Anderson ever since hearing Sleigh Ride over the radio
as a 6 year old growing up in a small paper town in northern Quebec. Later my
older sister bought a 78 rpm record of The Syncopated Clock. I couldn't listen
to it enough.
Barry Frankham
Nipigon, ON Canada
Saturday, November 28, 1998 at 03:57:46 (EST)
Leroy
Anderson's music has given me many hours of pleasure over the years. He is a
true American icon and his music is a part of our national consciousness. Thank
you for this web site.
James Shiver
Lakeland, FL USA
Saturday, November 28, 1998 at 00:59:14 (EST)
The music
of Leroy Anderson is magnificent ... I can add no more to that. Can you pass on
any insights on his wartime work in intelligence (WWII & Korea)? I would
like to insure that my comrades in the intelligence community are aware that he
once shared their ranks. Thank you.
Carl Foerster
Vienna, VA USA
Friday, November 27, 1998 at 14:45:55 (EST)
i was very
pleased to listen to mr.anderson's music on the new released mercury records.
in my radio-programs on north german radio NDR 3 he is sometimes a little jewel
in the show. the homepage is a must, even the "riemann" does not
write anything about leroy anderson!
Andr� Busche
Kiel, SH Germany
Monday, November 23, 1998 at 11:14:38 (EST)
DELIGHTFUL
WEB PAGE. AS A CHILD I BOUGHT FIRST RECORD A 45 RPM OF ANDERSON MUSIC/FIEDLER
& BOSTON POPS 48 YRS. AGO.THAT STARTED ME ON CLASSICAL MUSIC. TODAY,48 YRS.
LATER - I HAVE 5000 LPS & 400 CDS. THANK YOU LEROY ANDERSON.
RALPH BARROCAS
HUNTINGTON STA, NY USA
Friday, November 13, 1998 at 23:08:00 (EST)
I have
long enjoyed Leroy Anderson's music and I have several LPs and CDs. However, I
have been searching for a Christmas music album for nearly twenty years. I have
no idea what it was titled, but one of the most intriging cuts was "The
Santa Song" which, as I recall, was an obligato tuba. If you can help me,
please let me know.
Lanny Wolfe
Philadelphia, PA USA
Tuesday, November 10, 1998 at 10:10:03 (EST)
Did Leroy
Anderson go to Cambridge High or Cambridge Latin?
Jim Ardini
Clayton, CA USA
Friday, November 06, 1998 at 19:24:59 (EST)
Finding
music for gymnastic floor routines has always been difficult. Leroy Anderson
has been a real find. His music is bright, invigortating, and beautifully orchestrated.
If anyone knows of composers of a similar style please reply!!! Short pieces
under three minutes are best. Thanks. J.Hsu
J.Hsu
USA
Thursday, November 05, 1998 at 14:30:48 (EST)
I am
delighted that there is a fantastic website for an awesome talent like Leroy
Anderson. I certainly was pleased to hear the 50th anniv release of Sleighride.
I still have a Boston Pops 45 record with Serenata on the reverse side. When I
visit Connecticut I would love to see his notebook of various orchestrations
throughout his career. He certainly had some magic melodies in his head.
Merrick Miller
Henderson, NV USA
Sunday, October 25, 1998 at 05:10:21 (EST)
One of my
favorite pieces of music is Anderson's Irish Suite. I visited the web site to
find who might have performed and recorded the suite through the years.
Couldn't find much but did get very nostalgic!!
Gary Wild
Kailua, HI USA
Wednesday, October 07, 1998 at 22:37:27 (EDT)
Need some
Help please!! I can read music just a little. I'd like to play Forgotten
Dreams, I can manage the right hand no problem but need someone to help me with
the bass/treble notes for the left hand acc. does someone have the time to
write the names of the notes for me?? Please :) Meg
Meg
Plymouth, UK
Wednesday, September 30, 1998 at 06:21:34 (EDT)
For a
homework assignment I need to find the holiday song that made Leroy Anderson
popular. Can you help me? Need it by tommorrw. -Thanks
Ivana
USA
Tuesday, September 29, 1998 at 17:52:42 (EDT)
For a half
century I have been a "fan" of Mr. Anderson, and playing his
recordings until no music was left, and I would go out and buy another. A
favorite would be difficult, but right on the top of the list would be
"Forgotton Dreams" . He is indeed an American Treasure, and left us
music with a smile.
John Mellen
Honolulu, HI USA
Thursday, September 24, 1998 at 14:33:48 (EDT)
My
students are studying the theme and variations of "The Girl I Left Behind
Me" from the Irish Suite and really love it. Thanks for the website, I've
learned some new things.
Beth Sellers
Zanesville, OH USA
Friday, September 18, 1998 at 19:11:45 (EDT)
Since I
was young..I have been a fan of the music of Leroy Anderson..The holiday season
wouldn't be the same without a steady diet of "Sleigh
Ride".."Horse and Buggy" another favorite of mine..The use of
the clip-clop sound of horse's hooves and the crack of the whip makes the music
that much more real to me..Would love to communicate via E-Mail with other
lovers of Leroy Anderson's Music especially "Sleigh Ride" and "Horse
and Buggy"..Like to establish fan club.. Hope to hear from you very
soon...
Richard Lang
Huntington Bch, CA USA
Wednesday, September 16, 1998 at 15:57:09 (EDT)
Just
bought the new Sleigh Ride CD. What a thrill to listen to that after an old
scratchy LP with fake stereo!!!
Thomas Bergstam
Stockholm, Sweden
Tuesday, September 08, 1998 at 11:43:15 (EDT)
Love your
website!! Love your music!! We are releasing a Christmas CD, Nov.1. We have
chosen sleigh ride as one of our selections. It is not listed with the HFA. Can
anyone tell me where I can get the mechanical lic.? Thanks!!!
Rhythm Of The Night
USA
Sunday, September 06, 1998 at 22:26:42 (EDT)
I have a
vision of myself at approximately three or four, listening over and over to
Sleigh Ride and feeling such joy and freedom; completely experiencing something
more than merely listening to a song. This has always been the case with each
new Leroy Anderson piece that I discover. Each piece inhabits its own world and
draws us into that magical place. Thank you, Mr. Anderson.
Frank Gayton
Topsfield, MA USA
Thursday, September 03, 1998 at 15:03:20 (EDT)
Just heard
Leo Kottke mention Leroy Anderson- as "the master of the hook".
Thanks for putting this website together. It will be an invaluable aid for me to
explore Mr. Anderson's music.
Jim Gormley
Everett, WA USA
Monday, August 24, 1998 at 10:02:14 (EDT)
I am
associate conductor of the Peninsula Concert Band in Newpor News VA. Mr
Anderson's music has long been a popular part of our repitoire. Bugler's
Holiday, the Waltzing Cat, Phantom Regiment, and of course Sleigh Ride. We are
starting What we hope to be anannual tradition this year by playing at the
Williamsburg Scottish Festival in September. Two of Mr. Andersons arrangments,
Blue bells of Scotland and the Irish Washerwoman, are expected to be highlights
of that performance.
Chip Barclay
Williamsburg, VA USA
Tuesday, August 11, 1998 at 23:41:44 (EDT)
I first
heard Mr. Anderson's wonderful music when XETV Channel 6 Tia Juana (serving San
Diego) used "Belle of the Ball" for its station breaks. That was
about 1953. "China Doll" is my favourite but I like all he wrote.
Roy B. Quady
Minneapolis, MN USA
Thursday, July 23, 1998 at 20:59:00 (EDT)
Serenata
is my favorite Anderson composition. He was a true American Original. His music
will live forever and bring pleasure to both present and future generations.
keith mallett
san diego, ca USA
Wednesday, July 08, 1998 at 02:44:40 (EDT)
I'm
conductor of an amateur symphonic orchestra. I created in 92 a young symphonic
orchestra called "Le p'tit Val de Sambre" to allow young musicians to
discover the pleasure playing in a big orchestra. I found Leroy Anderson's
music by chance, and it was marvellous to see how this music was appreciated by
children from 9 to 16. Thanks for this pleasure. J. De Messemacker 16,Tienne du
Tonnely 5640 BIESME BELGIUM
De Messemacker Jacques
Biesme, Belgium - Saturday, July 04, 1998 at 08:47:29 (EDT)
Aloha! My
2nd entry in the guestbook. Just wanted eveyone to know that today (June 29th)
is 90th anniversary of Leroy Anderson's birth. His music will bring joy
forever!
Bill Wiley
Honolulu, , HI USA
Monday, June 29, 1998 at 12:47:20 (EDT)
Mr.
Anderson's music is immortal. His works are featured on my MUSIC OF THE STARS
radio programs.
Lou Rugani
Kenosha, WI USA
Monday, June 29, 1998 at 12:20:52 (EDT)
Though not
being an American myself , I've always found Leroy Anderson's music fun and
unique .I especially like his piano concerto-- it's just as delightful and
pleasant as his shorter , better-known pieces.
Chua Yee Hoong
Selangor Malaysia
Wednesday, June 24, 1998 at 04:34:14 (EDT)
My
favorite Leroy Anderson composition is "The Golden Years". It floats
me back in time to my youth and to some of my friends and relatives, who are
once again young and healthy themselves. It's true genius.
John Markham
Chula Vista, CA USA
Wednesday, June 24, 1998 at 02:19:57 (EDT)
I don't
play anything (except the radio) or teach anything. All I know is that it just
would not be Christmas for me if I didn't get to hear "Sleigh Ride"
at least once during the holiday season. "The Typewriter" and
"Syncopated Clock" have been favorites since long before I knew what
they were called...or even knew what pop, let alone classical music was. Just
thinking about them makes me smile inside -- hearing them makes me smile all
over. And though I love classical music, there are few composers whose music I
recognize as their own. Mr. Anderson's music, though, always stands out. It
seems to be the merged embodiment of America and happiness and I'm glad to have
been exposed to it. Thank you! :-)
Sharon Dubose
Pensacola, FL USA
Thursday, June 18, 1998 at 14:33:01 (EDT)
It was a
real pleasure meeting and speaking with Eleanor Anderson and her son Kurt
Anderson at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy on 6/14/98. The concert featuring the
U.S. Coast Guard Band was nothing less than spectacular thanks to the great
compositions of LEROY ANDERSON. And thanks again, Mrs. Anderson, for the
autograph on my CD.
Norman Hicks
Durham, CT USA
Wednesday, June 17, 1998 at 20:56:30 (EDT)
As a band
director I have found the music of Leroy Anderson to be an instant success.
Always entertaining, well scored and interesting.
Barrie Gott
Caboolture, QLD Australia
Sunday, June 14, 1998 at 23:22:23 (EDT)
I am a
band director in Honolulu, Hawaii and I, too, have been a long-time fan of
Leroy Anderson's music. In fact, I try to program either "A Christmas
Festival" or "Sleigh Ride" each winter. Although I share a
particular fondness for those two seasonal works, my favorite Leroy Anderson
work remains "Belle of the Ball." A special thanks to my good friend
and fellow percussionist Bill Wiley for turning me on to this site. Aloha!
Ira Wong
Honolulu , HI USA
Tuesday, June 09, 1998 at 19:35:54 (EDT)
I am a
member of the Royal Hawaiian Band and have been playing tuba for last 17 years.
I was first introduced to the music of Leroy Anderson by my father who played
me a recording of Buglers Holiday when I was 10yrs. old....it was then that I
decided to become an instrumentalist, and pursue my love of music to its fullest!
I have loved the music of Mr. Anderson for years and I am always excited to
play his music as if it were the first time! May Leroy Anderson's music be
played and heard forever! Aloha!
Kevin L. Leong
Honolulu, Hi USA
Monday, June 08, 1998 at 05:59:47 (EDT)
ALOHA! I
am the staff arranger with the Royal Hawaiian Band and have my own custom song
writing business. When I first played Leroy Anderson's music in Junior High
Band, I knew THAT was the kind of music I wanted to write. He has been an
inspiration to me! I have collected recordings of almost everything he has ever
written. His wit, charm and craftsmanship seperate his music from his many
imitators. No one did it better than Leroy Anderson. I am glad his music
continues to be played!
Bill Wiley
Honolulu, HI USA
Sunday, June 07, 1998 at 00:58:43 (EDT)
I teach
third grade and have a very exciting fine arts program. We study many
composers. The class has really enjoyed the music of Leroy
Anderson...especially The Syncopated Clock.
Patricia Orr
La Mirada, CA USA
Sunday, May 24, 1998 at 20:48:21 (EDT)
Just a
friendly welcome to your new home on the web!
Danielson, CT USA
Saturday, May 23, 1998 at 21:35:27 (EDT)