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 been a Leroy Anderson fan since the early
1950s. I don't remember which L/A song was the first I heard, but they are
distinct and can be recognized. American music is much better off for the
presence of Leroy Anderson. My all time favorite Leroy Anderson composition is
"The First Day of Spring". I made a real pest of myself, calling our
only Classical music station in the Detroit area in mid March, asking that it
be played on the appropriate date. Since most stations arranged their
'playlists' weeks in advance, there was not always room for a late request. I
let them know about it, though! Unfortunately, that station is no longer, and
none of the other stations are likely to have any of Anderson's music in their
files. I will have to be satisfied with my own collection, I guess. Thanks for
the nice website. I will visit it often. Ralph Irish, Utica, MI USA
wa8gdt@home.com wa8gdt@flash.net wa8gdt@comcast.net (later)
Ralph Irish
Utica, MI USA
Saturday, December 29, 2001 at 23:44:33 (EST)
Leroy Anderson's music is a true delight! I've played many of his works
including Sleigh Ride, Bugler's Holiday, and A Christmas Festival. They are all
enjoyable. This site showed me that he didn't just write Christmas music! He
truly was a great composer!
Kristen Goguen
Richmond, KY
Monday, December 24, 2001 at 16:21:32 (EST)
Mr Andersons music is wonderful I've played music professionaly for over
20 years. and have done a lot of composing. good music is timeless it never
wears out.
James B. Haushalter
Saline, MI USA
Sunday, December 23, 2001 at 17:12:19 (EST)
Mr Andersons music is wonderful
James B. Haushalter
Saline, MI USA
Sunday, December 23, 2001 at 17:07:32 (EST)
How well I remember the countless times Mom Sylvia played "Sleigh
Ride" for me and Sis on her 78 rpm victrola when we were little kids in
the 50's!! How I still love that song, complete with the horse neighing at the
end (I think that was the Eugene Ormandy version). And how well I remember how
scared sis and I were when we heard the "Syncopated Clock" song, as
we watched the late late show with our Nonna Lucia (NY City 1950's), and saw,
at the same time, the spooky silhouette of a house with dark windows, on the TV
screen. Wonderful timeless ageless beautiful music. Now that I'm a big kid the
"Syncopated Clock" song doesn't scare me any more (whew).
Azar "ACE" Attura
Washington, DC USA
Friday, December 21, 2001 at 14:09:57 (EST)
I was fortunate in acquiring one of the few remaining copies of a
magnificent 2-CD tribute to Leroy Anderson by the Golden Eagle Brass Band,
which incidentally, it is NOT...not a Brass Band that is...at least not in the
traditional British Brass Band sense with Soprano Cornets and E-Flat Alto
Horns, etc. It is however a superb, well-rehearsed 45-piece wind ensemble whose
thoroughly proficient members play with flair and precision. And more
importantly they appear to enjoy what they're doing. (You should hear the
spirited performance of the Trumpet section in Bugler's Holiday and the
audience's enthusiastic appreciation!) One of the highlights of the April 1st,
2001 sold-out concert is guest conductor, Kurt Anderson, (Leroy's son) who
offers some fascinating comments on how many of his father's compositions came
into being. The man who masterminded the entire project is the Golden Eagle's
tireless and effervescent Director of Music, John R. Williams who introduces
Kurt Anderson and leads the band in several selections. Live location
recordings often leave a lot to be desired when it comes to reproducing natural
sound quality, but this recording appears to have been mixed professionally and
the fidelity is surprisingly good. There can be no more fitting tribute to
Leroy Anderson than by those for whom he composed...ordinary every-day people
who enjoy performing tuneful, finely crafted yet challenging melodies. This
2-CD set is an absolute "must" for die-hard fans of the music of one
of America's greatest composers. There may still be a few copies left and they
can be ordered directly from John R. Williams at wllsjhr@attbi.com For less
than $20.00 including taxes and postage, there isn't a better bargain anywhere.
Ron McAnespie
TORONTO, Canada
Saturday, December 15, 2001 at 17:17:55 (EST)
Just listened to a "special" in which Mr. Anderson was
conducting the Marine (?) band for a concert in 1972. What fun!! I've long been
a LeRoy Anderson fan, but didn't realize for (far too) long just how many of
his pieces are standards! My favorite will probably always be "Bugler's
Holiday", but there's just so many it's hard to choose!
Kathy
Manhattan, KS USA
Friday, December 14, 2001 at 16:32:55 (EST)
I am an elementary school music teacher and we study a different American
Composers each week. I chose Leroy anderson for the first week of December
because of "Sleigh Ride!" The kids loved hearing it while pretending to
be on a ride. Your site gave me a lot of biographical information to share with
my students. I learned a lot myself! Thanks!
Jennifer Wright
GA USA
Friday, December 14, 2001 at 14:57:52 (EST)
I love your website! I play violin in my school orchestra and we do a lot
of Anderson's works like Sleigh Ride and Suite of Carols. I absolutely love his
compositions We have to do reports on composers or types of music and I decided
to write my report on him. This site really helped, thanks!!
Jennifer
Edmonds, WA USA
Thursday, December 13, 2001 at 23:59:34 (EST)
The Chicago Bar Association Symphony Orchestra is performing "A
Christmas Festival" and "Sleigh Ride" in a free public concert
this week. What delightful music! I've become a Leroy Anderson devotee!
Jon Duncan
Chicago, IL USA
Wednesday, December 12, 2001 at 23:35:17 (EST)
I loved everything that you had on this website, but I was trying to find
information on an arrangement of the wassail song.
Elizabeth Hanley
Milton, MA USA
Monday, December 10, 2001 at 06:45:57 (EST)
A truly delightful website. Just the other day, after Sleigh Ride had
been playing on the radio, I commented to a co-worker how much I enjoyed the
music of Leroy Anderson. She looked at me with a blank stare and said
"Who?" I told her that Leroy Anderson was the composer of Sleigh
Ride, and I also mentioned The Syncopated Clock and Blue Tango. Then her face
lit up with recognition and she said that she loved those pieces. I wouls guess
that Mr. Anderson's music has touched everyone, and it's sad that so few know
him by name. I'm glad I found this site.
Terry Hedges
Livonia, MI USA
Saturday, December 08, 2001 at 21:03:22 (EST)
Recently someone asked me to name my favorite Christmas song. Now,
there's a lot of wonderful holiday music, but without hesitation I answered
"Sleigh Ride". This is the melody that,for me, not only captures
Christmas beautifully, but paints a perfect musical portrait of winter itself.
Leroy Anderson is the Norman Rockwell of American Music.
Bob Fredricks
Lenox, MA USA
Thursday, December 06, 2001 at 14:29:05 (EST)
I was looking in my mother's diary notes and was reminded that her first
cousin was married to Leroy Anderson. I was never curious as a child, and now
that I am hearing so much of his delightful music on my local classical radio
station I was wondering if she is still alive. My mother, Violet, died in 1984,
but I have put much of her writing on my web site.
Eve Adam
CA USA
Wednesday, December 05, 2001 at 22:07:13 (EST)
Beeing a former 70mm roadshow projectionist I've come to listen a lot to
orchestrations in movies. There is no doubt what so ever that Mr Anderson, my
fellow countryman ;-) is one of the greatest "goose pimple risers" of
all times and deserves all our greatfulness and respects. Truely one of America's
(and Sweden's) all time greats, in the same league as other favourites like
Gershwin, Rodgers & hammerstein, Lerner & Loewe and Alfred Newman.
Thanks! May it be somewhat late.
Stefan Adler
Gothenburgh, . Sweden
Monday, December 03, 2001 at 17:02:43 (EST)
How fortunate we are to have some great American composers! Leroy
Anderson, John Philip Susa, George Gershwin, and Scott Joplin! The list is
endless, but these are some of my favorites! Why? They wrote music I never get
tired of listening to. After all, isn't that what makes music great?
Robert Baker
Torrance, CA USA
Saturday, December 01, 2001 at 18:48:57 (EST)
I love the Concerto in C!!!
Ben Lissman
Norwood, NJ USA
Saturday, December 01, 2001 at 11:43:06 (EST)
Stumbled here because I've been in a Leroy Anderson mood lately. I'm a
composer and elementary instrumental music teacher in Kansas City... I grew up
here in the 50s and 60s, and feel lucky to have lived in a time when Mr.
Anderson's melodies were so omnipresent. I'm currently working on a two
accordion arrangement of "Sleigh Ride" for an upcoming Christmas
concert to be held here at a local Mall. Really looking forward to it! Just one
problem, it's impossible to get that horse neigh at the end on a squeezebox!
Philip DeWalt
Kansas City, MO USA
Thursday, November 29, 2001 at 00:31:55 (EST)
Last year as a freshman in high school I played A Christmas Festival for
the first time, and I was instantly hooked on his music. We are playing it
again this year on our Christmas Concert. After hearing A Christmas Festival I
was intrigued to find other music written by him to listen to. In my search I
discovered Clarinet Candy and I have wanted to play it ever since, it just
sounds like so much fun. I am now inspired to become a better clarinetist and
to inspire the rest of my section to do the same so we can in some way convince
our director to let us play it before I graduate.
Laura
Charlotte, NC USA
Saturday, November 24, 2001 at 10:50:49 (EST)
I would first like to say to Mr. Anderson that he is a very bright man.
As a student a wesley Chapel High Fl. I would say that it is very challenging
for me to play his sing Sleigh Ride but I do try really hard and for someone to
even write a execelent piece of music like this you must be very bright an
inteligent and you have to be a very good musicl player and composser. Well, I
would just like to say that I will respect music composers and conductors a lot
more because I thought that conducting or making up musical pieces would not be
that hard.
Monica
san Antonio, fl USA
Tuesday, November 20, 2001 at 20:49:44 (EST)
I love the song sleigh ride lalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalala
Caitlin Benedict
litchfield, CT USA
Monday, November 19, 2001 at 10:20:59 (EST)
hi, all i just want to say is i like andersons music even though i'm only
12! but i started liking it becuase i heard it in music class.
kathy
Canada
Saturday, November 17, 2001 at 12:02:29 (EST)
A morning in 1955 I first time heard Bugler's Holiday, the record played
by Radio Sweden. Its tunes caught me at once, I bought the record and started
listening for other Leroy Anderson music. Blue Tango had been very popular
already in 1952, Syncopated Clock and Fiddle, Faddle I know since earlier days.
Now, however, Anderson's music became like smoking for other people. In Fall
1962 Anderson visited Sweden and spoke Swedish in a radio program (I was ill
and couldn't attend). A Finnish TV program 1968, in which Leroy Anderson also
spoke Swedish, was recorded in Woodbury. Prior to my first visit to U.S.A I
wrote a letter to Leroy Anderson. Unfortunately, he had no engagements the days
I was in Boston. Next time, in 1976, Anderson had already passed away... In
July 2000, finally, "Once upon a Sleigh Ride" was shown in a Swedish
TV channel. Unfortunately, Europe and US use different video technique, why
there is no good idea to buy a tape or DVD. But CD works same way and make life
for the recently retired lover of Leroy Anderson's music enjoyable! Best regard
to all of you! Erik Fagerstrom, Tumba, Sweden
Erik Fagerstrom
SE-14753 Tumba, Sweden
Friday, November 16, 2001 at 17:04:41 (EST)
Love every song this man has done. His work was brilliant, and Sleigh
ride and belle of the ball are two of my favorites.I also think Typewriter song
and Sand paper ballet are great as well. I wish I could haven meet him. My Dad
Ralph was a huge huge fan and Dad is not with us today but every time I listen
to Leroy I think of my DAD.
Kevin Aucoin
Grafton, Ma USA
Thursday, November 15, 2001 at 09:00:20 (EST)
On April 1, 2001, the Golden Eagle Brass Band presented its Spring
Concert entitled "A Salute To Leroy Anderson, His Life and His
Music", with special guest conductor, Kurt Anderson, Leroy Anderson's son.
It was an absolute pleasure to have Kurt as our guest conductor. He did a
fabulous job and the band love the music and Kurt's style,and they rose to the
occasion. The entire concert was Leroy Anderson's music except for a piece by
Warren Barker which we were committed to play from a previous concert, and
America the Beautiful, Arr Carmen Dragon, which is our traditional opening and
Stars and Stripes, which is our traditional closing. We play a couple of pieces
that were not very familiar and quite a few that were. I conducted some of the
pieces including Bugler's Holiday, Waltzing Cat, and Alma Mater Suite. I also
played the clock in Syncopated Clock and the typewriter in "The Typewriter".
We had such a great response that we sold out the 3PM performance and did a 7PM
performance also with 175 people. (Note: our theater only holds 316) A man by
the name of Bill Claeys put a note in this guest book on April 4, 2001 commenting
on the band's outstanding performance. The Golden Eagle Brass Band made a 2 CD
set of that live performance and we have about 30 of them left out of 100. If
anyone would like a copy they can contact me at my email address and I will
send them information on how to order them. The 2 CD set is only $17.25
including postage. The band also played several Anderson pieces on their
"Come To The Cabaret" Concert & Dance on October 27, 2001 and the
crowd was dancing to a 45 piece concert band playing "Blue Tango" For
this Christmas, we are using A Christmas Festival and Sleigh Ride. All I can
say is Leroy Anderson wrote some of the best music for band and orchestra that
has ever been written. If you have a chance to program it for your band or
orchestra do so! You won't regret it!!!!!
John R. Williams, Conductor
Aurora, CO USA
Monday, November 12, 2001 at 23:55:47 (EST)
Amazing....all previous guest's comments have said it much better than I
could. I'll be 80 years old in December and have listened to Leroy Anderson's
music since the early 50's...LOVE IT !!
David E. Bartholomew
Florence, Az USA
Tuesday, November 06, 2001 at 23:25:01 (EST)
What a great surprise to find this great almost forgotten musician with a
website..as a lover of music of the 50's and a teenager then I have several of
his CD's ..one has 47 of his recordings but where is the sensational recording
of "A Christmas Festival"?...It is so wonderful to hear his glorious
mucic and arrangements again.
bill twibill
union city, nj
Monday, October 29, 2001 at 23:08:09 (EST)
I was fortunate to be Music Director of the Orlando Concert Band one
summer, which included programming the annual July 4 Concert, which would
ultimately be heard by nearly 200,000 people around Lake Eola Park in 1994. My
"theme" for the concert was "Great American Composers".
Among the composers I included were Bernstein, Copland, Gershwin, Ellington,
Joplin and Sousa. Leroy Anderson was an obvious inclusion, as his music more
than anyone else's fit the concert requirements beautifully: High-quality music
(to be considered a "great" composer) and mainstream appeal (to
entertain an audience waiting for the fireworks). Our soloist did a masterful
rendition of the "Trumpeter's Lullaby", but the musical fireworks of
"The Girl I Left Behind Me" brought an enormous ovation from the
audience. I have played and conducted Mr. Anderson's music for nearly 20 years,
starting in junior high school. Not only is the music extremely listenable, but
it is a joy to play - even the "oom-pah" parts are fun!
Jim Taylor
Orlando, FL
Monday, October 29, 2001 at 02:43:53 (EST)
Wonderful information
Audre Ambutas
Coloma, MI
Tuesday, October 23, 2001 at 16:32:33 (EDT)
I AM A 15 YR OLD MUSIC SCHOLAR AND HAD TO PLAY A TRUMPET'S LULLABY FOR A
SCHOOL CONCERT RECENTLY AND DID SO TO APPLAUSE. I FOUND I REALLY LIKED LEROY
ANDERSON'S STYLE AND MUSIC,AND TRY TO ADD A LITTLE OF HIS INFLUENCE TO MY
STYLE.
James Gallavin
GOLD COAST, QLD AUSTRALIA
Sunday, October 21, 2001 at 19:47:06 (EDT)
Hi there! I just bumped into your site, and I kind of enjoyed it. Keep it
up! :-)
Jean Duvalle
New Orleans, LA
Sunday, October 21, 2001 at 16:45:39 (EDT)
I have always admired and enyoyed listening to Leroys wonderful music
since I first heard the Blue Tango in the early 50s.Which I purchased on a
78rpm I bought my first long playing record in 1957 a Decca 10" pressed in
New Zealand and I still have same.I think I have everything he ever recorded
and have always thought his fine compositions deserve more attention from my
nation's broadcasters which is New Zealand.
Graeme Kerr
Whangarei, New Zeakand
Wednesday, October 17, 2001 at 01:45:32 (EDT)
I'm so happy I lived during the 1950's when Loroy's music was everywhere.
His music created such an atmosphere. His melodies will live with me always.
George Shackelford
Los Angeles, Ca
Sunday, September 30, 2001 at 23:04:20 (EDT)
I am an elementary school general music teacher. I have enjoyed sharing
music by Mr. Anderson with my students. I hope his music will always live on
through our sharing with others.
Michelle Hammock
Athens, GA
Thursday, September 20, 2001 at 13:21:10 (EDT)
I grew up in Woodbury Connecticut, and Mr. Anderson was a part of our
life. I was also a class mate of his daughter Jane. If anyone can, please let
her know I would like to contact her. Thanks. Henry
Henry Soper
Camarillo, CA
Monday, September 17, 2001 at 23:16:30 (EDT)
I grew up in the 50's in Quebec, hearing Mr. Anderson on the CBC, and
later in Vermont. It has been part of my legacy to be so neaw to harmoneous
twentieth century music. He'll outlast Mahler, and his mentor W. Piston.
John R.B. Brown
Essex Jct., VT
Sunday, September 16, 2001 at 08:04:57 (EDT)
What a great talent that God has given us...he left a legacy
unmatched...Leroy lives on.
Lynn Burton
Lubbock, TX
Saturday, September 15, 2001 at 14:01:30 (EDT)
I grew up during WWII. I was born in 1934. My favorite music, then and
now, has always been Leroy Anderson's compositions. I have always been a big
fan of the Boston Pops, and remember fondly Arthur Fiedler. I shall always be
grateful to Mr. Fiedler for bringing out Leroy Anderson. They were the best
musical combination of all time, in my opinion. I loved all his compositions,
and my teen years were so much richer for them. TV didn't really take hold till
the late 40's, and I never got to see Mr. Anderson, except one time when he was
quite sick, and made an appearance on a Boston Pops show. But I have never
really known what he looked like. Is there any way to contact his family to
obtain some pictures? Do you have any pix on this site (other than the home
page one)? Does the video of his biography have a lot of pictures of him? Thank
you so much for this web page.
Robert Albanese, Sr, MD
Friday, September 14, 2001 at 15:57:54 (EDT)
Nice to see a website devoted to this marvelous musician.
Michael Morse
Toronto, ON Canada
Thursday, August 30, 2001 at 12:41:10 (EDT)
I will never forget Leroy Anderson's Blue Tango. It was very popular when
I was dating my wife. What great music came from that era.
Ken Porrey
Waupaca, WI
Monday, August 27, 2001 at 21:00:34 (EDT)
As a Leroy Anderson fan, I am most grateful for this web site. Let's hope
that it will help increase admiration for this unique American composer.
Harry MacLaughlin
Katonah, NY
Friday, August 24, 2001 at 12:03:38 (EDT)
I have nothing whatever to do with music in my professional life as a
scientist, but have been smitten by the melodies of Leroy Anderson since
hearing The Syncopated Clock, Fiddle-Faddle, the Typewriter, and other
infectious tunes. Now, knowing there is a single person behind these and other
melodies that have caught me over the years, it all makes sense! Anderson has a
style that lasts, in a genre that will be with us forever! I will treat myself
on my upcoming 47th birthday, to an Anderson collection. Glad the mystery of
these tunes that have been circulating in my head, was solved for me by your
website.
Roland Auer MD PhD
Calgary, AB Canada
Monday, August 20, 2001 at 19:56:02 (EDT)
i know how to play the type writter on the ukulele
DJ schamber
kaila kona, HI
Wednesday, August 15, 2001 at 00:50:56 (EDT)
I am a student currently studying at University for my BA Hons. in Film
& Animation. Prior to this, I had made a 20-minute musical comedy film
entitled "Back to the Drawing Board" for my Art & Design
Foundation Course, earning a Distinction. Being a great lover of Leroy
Anderson's music most of my life I decided to use a piece of his music as a
backing track for the opening credits to my film. I chose "Jazz
Legato" and it was perfect. I have an ambition to one day make a feature
(perhaps animated, being as I am an animator myself) based around the wonderful
music of Leroy Anderson, because it has a certain unique quality that just
makes it work in film & animation. He continues to inspire me immensely.
Richard Haynes
Harlow, Essex, England
Saturday, August 11, 2001 at 19:20:14 (EDT)
It has been a long time since I've heard the works of Leroy Anderson. I
must say that I owe my first exposure to his works to "Captain
Kangaroo". Much of the music that was used in some of the skits for the
program were mostly Anderson's including my personal favorite, "Horse and
Buggy". That piece and "Bugler's Holiday" were also used during
the local weather and sport report every night on WCKT Channel 7 in Miami, FL.
I never forgot it and I thank you.
Robert Carter
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Saturday, June 16, 2001 at 01:44:38 (EDT)
Can someone please tell me which Jerry Lewis movie the "Typewriter
Song" was in? Thanks,
Betty K. Brown
Salisbury, NC United States
Wednesday, June 13, 2001 at 20:49:47 (EDT)
Leroy Anderson is very much remembered in Iceland. In his (probably) last
visit to Iceland I hear him on the radio as he met with old friends and I
remember he spoke perfect Icelandic.
S. Thor Bjarnason
Reykjavik, Iceland
Sunday, June 10, 2001 at 13:58:37 (EDT)
I am a school band teacher and I usually always include an Anderson work
on all of my concerts. Not only do the audiences and students enjoy the
performance, but, Anderson's compositions are great for teaching kids as well!
Barney Wilkins
Kingsley, PA
Thursday, June 07, 2001 at 08:05:05 (EDT)
The absolute cure for a bad day is listening to Leroy Anderson's music.
As a trombonist of 35 years, some of my fondest musical memories are of playing
his music. Like Norman Rockwell's paintings, this music finds the things in us
that have made America what it is.
Bob Warren
Castle Rock, CO
Monday, June 04, 2001 at 19:17:54 (EDT)
I am a composer (light, eclectic neo-classical) and pianist and have long
admired the music of Leroy Anderson. It takes real talent to write a catchy
melody that endures the test of time. Thanks for the great site!
Timothy M. Kucij
Torrance, CA
Monday, June 04, 2001 at 12:50:11 (EDT)
I am in the PSSO (primary schools string orchestra) and we are preforming
the somg "Jazz Pizzicarto" it is quite a fun piece and it sounds
really good when you play it in an orchestra. Leroy Anderson really knows how
to make Jazzy music!
Belinda wong
Saturday, June 02, 2001 at 20:47:18 (EDT)
What a great site, as an ex Brit Army Musician and M D of The Kendal
Concert Band I have just surfed in, lookng for programme note material. We
never play anywhere without L Anderson material in the 'pad' Regards J Q
James Quinscey
Kendal, UK
Sunday, May 27, 2001 at 06:47:01 (EDT)
As a member of the music selection committee for the Livonia Symphony
Orchestra, I have found the music of Leroy Anderson to be "just what our
programming ordered" on several occasions. We are planning several of his
works for encore pieces in our 2000-2001 season.
Jack Van Assche
Livonia, MI
Friday, May 25, 2001 at 18:26:39 (EDT)
I first discovered Mr. Anderson's music while playing Percussion in the
High School band at Granite City High School in Granite City, Il. in the
1970's. Along with "The Typewriter" and "the Syncopated
Clock", my most all-time favorite piece by Mr. Anderson is
"Seranata".
Michael K. Hill
St. Louis, MO
Wednesday, May 23, 2001 at 19:50:40 (EDT)
I first heard Mr. Anderson's music in the '50s. I was captivated by it's
originality and message of joy. I always thought his music was on par with
Irvin Berlin & George Gershwin. It's such a pity his style of music is not
composed, anymore.
Mrs. Mollie Marx
Timorim, Israel
Saturday, May 19, 2001 at 04:13:43 (EDT)
The first time I hear Mr. Leroy Andrson was in the Jerry Lewis movie
"Who's Minding the Store?" and the melody was the typewriter.
oscar silva
guatemala
Friday, May 18, 2001 at 01:27:25 (EDT)
I am going towards my 74th. birthday and I always loved and admired Leroy
Anderson, even when I was on my pre-teens,when Jazz Pizzicato appeared on the
radio. I am very pleased that Mr. Henderson's family maintain his memory
through this media. Congratulations.
Thelmo P. Alves
Winchester, MA
Thursday, May 17, 2001 at 18:06:55 (EDT)
I am a violinst who is now practicing the most wonderful piece I can ever
think of. In a small group of nine players (consisting of 2 first violins, 3
second violins, 1 bass, 1 chello, and 2 violas). We are soon going to have a
concert in front of a lot of people playing the most wonderful piece by Leory
Anderson, Blue Tango. I am so thankful to have such a wonderful piece to look
forward to, to practice and to play in the concert. I am glad that Leroy
Anderson had such great talent to make a piece as wonderful as the Blue Tango.
We are also doing a couple of other pieces of his including Plink Plank Plunk.
Thank you Leroy Anderson.
Melissa
Lititz, pa
Wednesday, May 09, 2001 at 17:58:14 (EDT)
Leroy Anderson a fait le tour du monde ! Ici meme, en France, il fait
partie de notre patrimoine. Leroy Anderson is playing on the great world ! In
France, L.Anderson'music is in our patrimony. J-Jacques Charles, arranger,
composer, conductor and... trombonist. Drum Major of the Paris Police Band.
Jean-Jacques CHARLES
Paris, FRANCE
Saturday, May 05, 2001 at 04:30:07 (EDT)
With some difficulty and a few helpful tips from Kurt Anderson, I was
able to acquire "The Leroy Anderson Collection" 2-CD set; (MCA-98152)
through www.collectorschoicemusic.com. What a treat to the ear! Each disc has
its own information booklet. Eleanor Anderson's biographical sketch and Kurt
Anderson's liner notes, which describe each selection in detail, only add to
the enjoyment of this magnificent collection of Leroy Anderson's best loved
compositions...including the complete Irish Suite which is unavailable on any
other compact disc recording. Many consider Leroy Anderson a
"lightweight" composer because most of his compositions are less than
five minutes in length and because a few of his more popular ditties include
gimmicky sound effects like typewriters, ticking clocks, sandpaper, cracking
whips, etc. While Leroy Anderson was indeed the master of the orchestral
miniature, the duration of a composition and its commercial success don't
necessarily reflect a composer's talent. A perfect example is
"Arietta", (Disc #2, Track #12). It's less than three minutes long
but as pretty and as finely crafted a piece of music as anything Brahms or
Shubert could have penned. Listen also to the Andante movement from his
Concerto in C for Piano and Orchestra; (TELARC CD-80112). As years go by my
respect for Leroy Anderson grows and it seems to me that issuing a postage
stamp in his honor would only damn him with faint praise. Ron McAnespie
TORONTO, Canada
Ron McAnespie
TORONTO, On Canada
Saturday, April 28, 2001 at 09:57:28 (EDT)
Thank you for such an informative site! I am a high school orchestra
teacher that grew up playing Anderson as a kid, and am now passing it on to
others. The music never gets old, no matter how bad the kids butcher it. They
take pride in playing his original arrangements vs. transcriptions. It was quite
interesting to read about his life, especially that outside of music, and great
to see his catalogue. There are some works that I'd like to hear, and know that
I could buy them without needing to hear them first.
Andrew Preston
Columbia, SC
Thursday, April 19, 2001 at 12:17:30 (EDT)
AS A LONGTIME FAN OF MR. ANDERSON'S MUSIC, I AM HAPPY TO FIND A WEBSITE
DEVOTED TO THIS GIFTED COMPOSER/ARRANGER.
JOSEPH FOLLO
NUTLEY, NJ
Saturday, April 14, 2001 at 06:21:51 (EDT)
As a longtime admirer of Mr. Anderson's music I was particularly pleased
to receive a copy of "Once Upon A Sleighride" as a present from one
of my daughters. I found it beautifully done and a joy to watch. I was also
pleased to "meet" Mrs. Anderson with whom I have had business
correspondence in the past.
Alan H Nichols
Sandwich, NH
Wednesday, April 11, 2001 at 22:56:26 (EDT)
The first time I heard Leroy Anderson`s music was in 60-61 when the
family lived in NY. The tune was `The Syncopated Clock` and I think it was the
opening theme of one of the classic film shows on the TV (CBS?). The second time
was in Tokyo in `62 when the whole class went to a concert. I remember 3
trumpeters coming to the front of the stage to perform the `Buglar`s Holiday`.
After a few years, I came across an LP the `Typewriter` which I brought with me
to my highschool dormitory. In highschool I bought a number of his sheetmusic
when others were listening to the Beatles. In college, I was more into jazz.
But to this day, I`ve been listening to his music off and on. In Japan, people
are familiar with his music, but the titles and the composer himself are not. I
carry his CD, together with my jazz CDs wherever I`m posted (now in Sarajevo).
When I went into Yahoo this morning and typed his name without any expectation,
I was indeed pleased to find his website. I`m glad to know that there is a wide
range of audience. By the way, my favourite tune is `A Trumpeter`s Lullaby`.
Thank you.
Shunichiro Asaba
Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Sunday, April 08, 2001 at 04:57:55 (EDT)
I love the man - I love his music - I love your website. Thanks, Bill
Campbell
Bill Campbell
Williamsburg, VA
Saturday, April 07, 2001 at 08:54:26 (EDT)
Thoroughly enjoyed the Lakewood, Colorado concert on April 1st, 20001.
Too bad that the performers were The Golden Eagle Brass Band. Only too bad only
because a band doesn't have strings, so could not perform some other favorites
of Leroy's wonderful compositions. The band did a fabulous job with the
clarinet section filling in for the strings. The trumpeters were especially
good.
Bill Claeys
Arvada, co
Wednesday, April 04, 2001 at 14:51:56 (EDT)
i liked the way your bibliography was layed out. it was easy and fun to
learn about Leroy Anderson.
Franny
Roseville, Mn USA
Thursday, March 29, 2001 at 17:06:00 (EST)
The Golden Eagle Brass Band's Spring Concert on April 1, 2001 in
Lakewood, Colorado is entitled "A Salute To Leroy Anderson, His Life and
His Music" with special guest conductor, Kurt Anderson, Leroy Anderson's
son. We are giving two performances at 3PM and at 7PM. The 3PM concert is
already sold out. We are very fortunate to have Kurt Anderson as our guest
conductor. We will be playing the following Anderson compositions: Ticonderoga
March, Alma Mater Suite, Buglers Holiday, Irish Suite, Blue Tango, Waltzing
Cat, Belle of the Ball, Sandpaper Ballet, Phantom Regiment, Syncopated Clock,
The Typewriter, Sleigh Ride and a recently published arrangement by Leroy
Anderson of Seventy Six Trombones. If you are in the Denver area we still have
tickets for the concert at 7PM for $5.00 each. I am personally looking forward
to a great evening of music John Williams Music Director/Conductor
John R. Williams
Aurora, CO USA
Thursday, March 29, 2001 at 11:04:42 (EST)
I have loved this music for a long time, especially Serenada. But I
didn't know who wrote it until just recently, and then I found out that this
composer wrote so many other songs I loved as well. I love classical music and
jazz and this music, the music of Leroy Anderson, is just plain wonderful. He
is to the music world what Norman Rockwell is to the art world. A true
original, thoroughly American and completely first-rate.
Eileen Giuliani
NY USA
Wednesday, March 28, 2001 at 22:26:01 (EST)
I have loved listening to Leroy Anderson’s music almost all of my life.
If you’re a baby boomer like me, you must acknowledge that he did nothing less
than create the musical score for Americana throughout the 1940’s and 1950’s.
From Jazz Pizzicato up through Clarinet Candy, his infectious melodies and
savvy arrangements are to American music what the onomatopoeia is to the
English language. No wonder his music was so widely used as background for
television programs. Probably the most noteable was The Syncopated Clock used
as the theme for “The Late Show” night time movie. There are many other
examples too numerous to mention here. My wife is a recently retired music
teacher who, during the course of her carrier, often used Mr. Anderson’s works
as textbook examples for evoking moods and ideas musically. Leroy Anderson was
a national treasure. I am grateful for the body of work he has left us and I
doubt we will see his kind of musical genius come along very often.
Joseph Durham
Bloomfield, NJ USA
Tuesday, March 20, 2001 at 14:54:06 (EST)
I am 63 years young, and have enjoyed Leroy Anderson's music since the
fifties, when the Jackie Gleason show used his music as background for many
skits. I get emotional each time I listen to his music, as it seems to signal a
happier, simpler time in my life. Sleigh Ride is a favorite, of course and I've
played it loudly on my computer at work during the holidays. God Bless Leroy
Anderson for giving us the gift of his music. My Grand Children will appreciat
it to, I'm sure. Thank you, Peggy R.
Margaret D. Reinhardt
vienna, Va USA
Saturday, March 17, 2001 at 15:48:48 (EST)
Leroy Anderson is one of my heroes -- along with Robert Russell Bennett,
William Daly, Hans Spialek and Arthur Kay. My favorite Anderson compositions,
in order of preference are "Serenata," "Sleigh Ride,"
"The Syncopated Clock," "A Christmas Festival," "Horse
and Buggy," "Belle of the Ball," "Fiddle Faddle,"
"A Trumpeter's Lullaby," "The Girl in Satin," "China
Doll," "Saraband," "The Typewriter" and "The
Golden Years." The voicings are clear and colorful, and the melodies and
transitions are delightful. The warmth and humanity of Leroy Anderson's music
is a wonderful gift to all.
Walter E. Paul, Jr.
New York, NY USA
Thursday, March 15, 2001 at 01:30:22 (EST)
I have been a fan since I was about three years old (50 years ago!). My
teenage cousins lived with my family, and they played Blue Tango over and over.
It has been my favorite song ever since, bringing back many happy memories. I
was so surprised and delighted to surf onto this site. I was happy to learn a
bit about Mr. Anderson and how he came to write some of his songs. He is and
has been my very favorite composer.
Judy Zimmerman
San Diego, CA USA
Friday, March 09, 2001 at 18:35:12 (EST)
As the Associate Conductor of the Clear Lake Symphony, I have had the
pleasure of conducting several of Leroy Anderson's works. They are definite
crowd pleasers. Some of the best "Pops" music around. In March, we
will perform the entire "Irish Suite" on St. Patrick's Day - - what a
perfect piece for this concert!
Robert F. Wall
Houston, TX USA
Tuesday, March 06, 2001 at 17:08:25 (EST)
I loved Leroy Anderson's Bugler's Holiday as arranged for a trumpet solo.
This is the genre of music I perform best. It helped me exponentially when
playing a solo for IB Music as well as our regions solo and emsemble judging.
Tom
South Saint Paul, MN USA
Tuesday, March 06, 2001 at 16:01:10 (EST)
Just arrived home from a performance of the Salina Symphony Orchestra of
music by Leroy Anderson, guest conducted by Kurt Anderson. it was great to hear
many of Mr. Anderson's pieces which we recognized but didn't know the composer.
I attended a proformance of the Boston Pops Orchestra in 1954 at
Augusta,Georgia stationed at Camp Gordon in the US Army. They played "The
Typerwriter Song" and it was just as good today as then. Thanks Mr.
Anderson
Carleen
Minneapolis, Ks USA
Sunday, March 04, 2001 at 21:55:22 (EST)
Loved Sleigh Ride and many others.
Malcolm
Sydney, Australia - Wednesday, February 28, 2001 at 21:49:48 (EST)
Hi! My name is Melanie and i'm from Germany. I like Leroy Anderson#s
music a lot. At last summer-concert at school we played anderson's
Fiddle-Faddle. Was great! Next concert we would like to play Belle of the Ball
but not knowing were to get the notes I ask you to help me. So, if anyone knows
about, send me an email , please. I will thank you for helping me. Mel
Melanie Gundlach
Essen, Germany
Monday, February 26, 2001 at 10:04:21 (EST)
I'm sorry that you are not alive anymore, Mr. Anderson, but i will thank
you for your nice easy listening music. My Favorite from your music is the
Piano Concerto in C-maj, that`s very great. If you get this message - let the
sun shine on your birthday. Thank you for beeing, r.m.grand
robert martin grand
vienna, A Austria
Saturday, February 24, 2001 at 16:06:21 (EST)
Having grown up in the Boston area I was fascinated to find this site.
I'm 58 years old and on many occasions was fortunate to have attended live
performances of the "POPS" when they played selections or medlies of
Mr.Anderson's great musical compositions. Ed Teixeira, Stony Brook,NY
Ed Teixeira
Stonybrook, NY USA
Friday, February 23, 2001 at 08:16:05 (EST)
I am so happy that Mr. Anderson wrote Blue Tango. It is my favorite song
of my whole life (I am 53 years old). I found this out when I was trying to
locate sheet music at the library for the song, "I never know when".
I heard that song when I checked out a CD at the library in a compilation of
100 years of American Music. In fact, I will be ordering a copy of the sheet
music. I will sing it at senior centers, and will be sure to give credit to
Leroy Anderson.
Gloria Duarte
Concord, CA USA
Thursday, February 22, 2001 at 16:59:01 (EST)
I was introduced to the music of Leroy Anderson by my father, who was
keen Big Band fan, in the early fifties. I bought an LP of selected pieces
about thirty years ago, but unfortunately misplaced it when moving house. I
have been trying to obtain a replacement CD version for years. I even asked the
owner of a disc store in a large shopping complex in Ft Lauderdale, whilst on
holiday last summer, if he knew of any such disc. Alas he was unable to help.
Then it occured to me to search on the internet and thus I arrived at this
site. Now armed with the details of current Anderson compilations I shall
endevour to order one through my local W.H.Smiths. Failing this, then I shall
order from one of the suppliers listed on your site. I am a great admirer of
American light classical music and was brought up on traditional jazz and Big
Band music. Best wishes, Wayne
Wayne Harris
Redditch, UK
Wednesday, February 21, 2001 at 19:01:06 (EST)
I have always had a tremendous love of Leroy Anderson's music. I have
always been a member of a wind ensemble, and his music is fun to play, and a
delight to the audience as well.
Sue Wills
Yorktown, VA USA
Monday, February 19, 2001 at 19:27:26 (EST)
I am an elementary general music teacher. I will be taking my students to
the orchestra for a youth concert where "Waltzing Cat" is on the
program. I was looking for background information to supplement my lesson
preparing the children for this field trip. I found lots on this site-thanks
for the help in making my lesson more interesting.
Vicky Hagedorn
clearwater, fl USA
Friday, February 16, 2001 at 23:13:06 (EST)
I am 53 years old. For years a childhood melody had stuck in my head, but
I never knew the title. Someone else who also remembered it called it the
"Meow Waltz". For several years I searched for the "Meow
Waltz" in vain. Then, after hearing the Syncopated Clock, something told
me it might be the same composer. So I found and album with that song, and I'll
be darned if just below it on the playlist was a song called "The Waltzing
Cat"! Eureka! I got the album and now my horizon has opened to about 20
songs that I knew by heart, but never knew that Leroy Anderson had written
them: Sandpaper Ballet; Trumpeter's Lullaby; Serenata; Belle of the Ball; I
can't get them out of my head! I was like so many Americans that loved Leroy
Anderson's music, I didn't know Leroy Anderson. Better late to the dance than
not at all!
Dave Hiett
Springfield, MO USA
Friday, February 16, 2001 at 19:47:47 (EST)
My great Uncle Leroy must have been a wonderful person.He died before I
was born just like my Grandpa Rus.I am so happy that everyboy loves my great
uncle too!
Keira Anderson(Leroy's great neice
Litchfield, CT USA
Thursday, February 08, 2001 at 14:50:32 (EST)
fantastic site.It's so hard to find stuff on Leroy Anderson. Keep up the
good work...
Andiee
Newcastle, nsw Australia
Friday, February 02, 2001 at 18:04:45 (EST)
I lestened 2 the music in my music class and found the music amazing ! I
thought the TYPEWRITTER was COOL! I also enjoyed the website - it was FAB!
James Barkly
France - Thursday, February 01, 2001 at 14:13:06 (EST)
My dad used to play Anderson's music as theme music for our Children's
Film Society, and I remember it with great pleasure. I got out the old LP and
wondered if there was a CD version. Thank you so much for this website, now I
can get the CD and turn some other people on to the music.
Annie
Nevada City, CA USA
Monday, January 29, 2001 at 13:59:02 (EST)
I needed to write a report and this really helped!
Jeffrey
NY USA
Wednesday, January 24, 2001 at 19:47:16 (EST)
I, for the longest time have been trying to play Mr. Anderson's music on
the guitar.I adore his music!!!!!!
George Scott Robinson
St. Louis, Mo USA
Wednesday, January 24, 2001 at 14:36:26 (EST)
I have been looking up information on original Toscanini recordings and
for some reason on the Google search this website was mentioned. Leroy Anderson
is one of my two favorite composers (as an incurable romantic, Tchaikovsky is
the other). My father had been a Classical Music / Organ Performance major at
Yale and from there went to work for NBC Radio / RCA Studios in New York City
in 1933. He was frequently given recordings, both new and used. Therefore, at
home we had all these wonderful records. Needless to say, I somehow managed to
"pilfer" the best and had endless hours of enjoying Mr. Anderson,
most of the classics and several of the classical comedians (i.e., Victor Borge
and Anna Russell). My appreciation of his music including the quality and depth
has only continued to grow. I listen to to the only classical station in the
entire Bluegrass area of Kentucky. It is WEKU, Public Broadcasting from Eastern
Kentucky University in Richmond, Kentucky. However, I think I can count on one
had the number of times they play any of Anderson's music throughout the year.
I have been able to find 2 CDs and through the Comments Section of this page,
have noted a couple of others. I have been able to put my Anderson LPs on to
cassette tape along with my CDs and therefore can enjoy them on long trips.
Thank you to the music on this site. I have certainly enjoyed it. PS: The
Snoopaholic in my e-mail address is because I am also a Peanuts (Charles
Schulz) fan. Linus is my favorite, but EVERYBODY knows Snoopy. Deborah Jones. Lexington,
Deborah L. Jones
Lexington, KY USA
Monday, January 22, 2001 at 23:09:46 (EST)
I am a 65 year old former percussionist (really former) who has always
admired the music of Leroy Anderson since hearing it in the fifties and also
playing it The Cathedral HS Band in Burlington Vt and in the Vt Symphony for 1
year. I am so glad to hook up with his website and will be a frequent visitor.
Thank you for the privilege to be a part of it.
carl H Ross
Hudson Falls, NY USA
Sunday, January 21, 2001 at 20:41:12 (EST)
LEROY IS WONDERFUL.......! I HAVE CONTACTED THIS SITE BEFORE AND ASKED IF
ANYONE KNOW`S IF (LEROY ANDERSON) HAS AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY, OR ANY OTHER BOOK`S ON
HIS LIFE. IF ANY ONE HAS SOME INFO WOULD THEY PLEASE CONTACT ME
AT:................ LSKMONTGOMERY@WEBTV.COM I HAVE PUT MY NAME ON THIS SITE
BEFORE AND THE WEB ADRESSESS WERE INCORRECT... THIS IS THE WRITE WEB NUMBER AS
OF:1-17-2001 THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR ALL HELPS . MR LANCE MONTGOMERY. ANY MAN
WHO COULD WRITE MUSIC AS BEAUTIFUL AS LEROY MUST SURELY BE INTERESTING TO READ
ABOUT...!
LANCE MONTGOMERY
TEHACHAPI, CALIF USA
Thursday, January 18, 2001 at 20:48:58 (EST)
Just saw the PBS-produced documentary. I enjoyed it thoroughly. What a
wonderful legacy..to leave music that makes people smile..
teale caliendo
new haven, CT USA
Wednesday, January 17, 2001 at 12:29:45 (EST)
As a teenager I played much of Andersons music in high school orchestras.
It is always nostalgic to hear his music. I have introduced many high school
kids to his music through my classes. Long live the genre.
John A. Mihaloew
Ambridge, PA USA
Tuesday, January 16, 2001 at 13:55:14 (EST)
It's a great pleasure for me to listen each year during christmas the
"Sleigh Ride" (in englis and in french...Promenade en tra�neau).
But I'd like to know if somebody had recorded a spanish version of this song?
Me gusta mucho de escuchar cada Navidad "Sleigh Ride" en la radio.
Pero, se puede decirme si exista tambien un disco en espanol de Sleigh Ride?
Yves Hamel, Montreal
Montr�al, Qc Canada
Friday, January 12, 2001 at 13:47:06 (EST)
Here,s the translation in english of the text I wrote before in french,
for the people who can't read french. I said that I saw the program on Leroy
Anderson during Christmas Holidays on PBS. I knew that Mr Anderson composed the
music of Sleigh Ride, but I didn't know that he was the composer of so much
musics that I knew. I sent two french versions of Sleigh Ride (Promenade en tra�neau)
on CD to his son Rolf Anderson. I'm sure that Leroy Anderson is a really great
composer and he will be recongised during the futures centuries! Yves Hamel,
Montreal
Yves Hamel
Montr�al, Qc Canada
Friday, January 12, 2001 at 13:40:09 (EST)
J'ai regard� l'�mission sur Leroy Anderson au r�seau
PBS durant les f�tes. Je savais qu'il �tait le compositeur de
Sleigh Ride, mais je ne savais pas qu'il avait compos� tant d'airs que
je connais. J'ai d'ailleurs fait parvenir des copies de disques chant�s
en fran�ais de Sleigh Ride (Promenade en tra�neau) � son
fils Rolf Anderson. Je reconnais en monsieur Leroy Anderson un immense talent
de compositeur qui va se r�percuter au fil des si�cles!
Yves Hamel
Montr�al, Qc Canada
Friday, January 12, 2001 at 13:34:34 (EST)
Question? Is there a book on leroy andersons life? If so would some one
please e.mail me the proper info. thank you, Lance Montgomery
lance montgomery
tehachapi , ca USA
Wednesday, January 10, 2001 at 22:45:46 (EST)
I,am 51 this year, and have greatly enjoyed leroys music sence my early
youth. Buglers lullaby is a piece that conjours up beautiful scenes of a walk
among the fall leaves. It has been a favorite of mine for years. I can`t help
thinking that leroy was a man with a great imaginative mind. His music always
stirs me to wonderful picture`s of thought. I`am very greatful that he choose
music for his life`s work.He has truly made the world a better place to live.
My 13 year-old son also see`s the beauty of music as a result of His works ,
and that`s saying alot with the music that comes from todays youth.
lance montgomery
tehachapi , ca USA
Wednesday, January 10, 2001 at 21:58:52 (EST)
I celebrated my 54th birthday on December 14, the evening our local PBS
station aired the Leroy Anderson tribute. Hearing that music brought back so
many wonderful memories of my early childhood. Seeing how excited I got when I
heard the music again, the kids got me The Best Of... CD for Christmas. It's
playing now. Thank you for the memories... (By the way - is it possible to
purchase the PBS special on video?)
Randy Dannenfelser;
Stillwater, NJ USA
Wednesday, January 10, 2001 at 18:15:38 (EST)
I am learning about Leroy Anderson at school.Thank you for the
information on the website. I enjoyed listening to the music.
Adam Nelson (age 7)
CREWE, UK
Wednesday, January 10, 2001 at 13:44:03 (EST)
I've just purchased the Cincinnati Pops recording of the Piano Concerto
in C - another outstanding gem from the pen of Mr Anderson, and my musical
discovery of the year!
Steve Bidey
Manchester, UK
Wednesday, January 10, 2001 at 11:09:15 (EST)
I could listen to "Sleigh Ride" forever!!!! I love to hear it
any time of year!! God bless you Mr. Anderson
John Larchmont, NY USA
Tuesday, January 09, 2001 at 22:39:14 (EST)
I stumbled upon your website researching information about the great
composer. I am the Director of Bands at Brentwood Middle/High School and my
high school concert band will be performing Anderson's "Bugler's
Holiday" at our Spring concert in May, 2001. Thanks for creating/maintaining
this website and all the valuable information therein.
Mr. Steven A. Leopold
Pittsburgh, PA USA
Saturday, January 06, 2001 at 21:28:45 (EST)
I am the conductor of the GOLDEN EAGLE BRASS BAND, a 45 piece community
concert band in the Denver, CO area. I announced a couple of months ago on this
guest book that we would be doing an all Leroy Anderson concert in the spring
of 2001. Well, the date and title of the concert are now set. The date is April
1, 2001 at 3PM at the brand new Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 S. Allison
Parkway, Lakewood, CO The title of the concert is: " A Salute to Leroy
Anderson, His Life and His Music" with Leroy Anderson's son, Kurt
Anderson, as special guest conductor and narrator. If any of you are in the
area, you can purchase tickets at $5.00 each by calling 303-987-7876. You can
also contact me at 303-695-8800. Since this performance venue seats only 310
people per concert, if the afternoon performance sells out, then we will do an
evening performance at 7PM or 7:30PM. The Golden Eagle Brass Band and I are
extremely honored by having Mr. Kurt Anderson as our guest conductor.
John R. Williams
Aurora, CO USA
Saturday, January 06, 2001 at 11:58:43 (EST)
I live on the westcoast of Canada and I don't think the PBS Biography of
Leroy Anderson was broadcast from Seattle or Detroit over our PBS stations. Can
anyone tell me if this is a fact? The programme was not listed in my TV Guide
and I am now going to keep my eyes peeled to the guide so as to not miss it.
Did I miss an earlier broadcast? I love Leroy Anderson's composition and like
most of your writer's have only recently discovered that he is the composer of
so many of my favourite music. My absolute favourite is his Concerto for Piano
and Orchestra in C major, (followed by Jazz Pizzicato). I have the Erich Kunzel
with the Cincinnati Pops rendition of his Concerto in C major and it is
stunning and just magical, particularly listening to it with earphones. Thank
you Mr. Anderson for such wonderful, joyful music - I hope you read this from
wherever you are.
Anne Ruttan
Sidney, BC Canada
Tuesday, January 02, 2001 at 23:40:28 (EST)
Completing what I started some days ago, though Leroy Anderson wrote many
great pieces of music my own favorite is BLUE TANGO.
Ted Jackson
Scarsdale, NY USA
Tuesday, January 02, 2001 at 22:55:04 (EST)
Leroy Anderson is probably America's greatest 'ittle known' composer.
Everybody loves his music but few know who he was. I thank PBS for the recent
documentary on him. I'm not a musician but I love his music and never fail to
mention his name when I hear any of his many compositions - reminding people of
who it was that created this wonderful music.
Bob Muller
Simpsonville, SC USA
Monday, January 01, 2001 at 17:37:11 (EST)