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
As a bandsman -- brass -- in the 60s and early 70s
-- I played much of Mr. Anderson's work, and enjoyed it all. Now, well past 50
years old, and in with a 12-year-old daughter (I started late), I am learning
to play the clarinet along with her. When we get a bit more
accomplished, we'll play some of Leroy Anderson's tunes, and that will be great
-- for her and, especially, for me.
Don McManman
West Richland, Wash. Wednesday, December 31, 2003 14:10 (PST)
Leroy Anderson remains a musical icon of the best of
American life. How I wish he were still with us writing the music that so
enriched my life. I am searching for recordings of his unappreciated
Piano Concerto in C. I am certain it will yet enter the repertoire of
consistently performed concerti.
Conrad F. Toepfer, Jr.
Friday, December 26, 2003 10:27
Leroy Anderson ranks up their
with the best of American composers:
Anderson, Bernstein, Copland.
Mr. Anderson, thanks for all the joy and happiness you
have brought me!
Jeff Kim
Toronto, Ontario Canada - Thursday, December 25, 2003 at 22:38 (EDT)
I grew-up with a Leroy Anderson album called
"Christmas Carols" Would like to find it in CD. Had the following:
Wassail Song, Lo - How a Rose E'er Blooming,, O Come
Little Children, In Dulci Jubilo,
Angels in Our Field Abiding, Pastor's A Belen, O Come, O Come Emmanuel, I Saw
Three Ships, It Came Upon The Midnight Clear, The Coventry Carol, March of the
Kings, A Christmas Festival, O Little Town of Bethlehem, O Sanctissima,
While By My Sheep, Bring A Torch Jeannette Isabella, We Three Kings, Patapan, Away in the Manger, From Heaven High I Come to
You. This was a top notch album when it came out. The cover was a white cat.
Oh, how I wish I could find this in CD. I haven't found anything as good as
this for Christmas in an orchestral setting.
Paul Dierks
Saturday, December 13, 2003 at 21:34
I grew up with the music of the German regional
radio station broadcast at that time (it was only the Bavarian Broadcast
Service). Maybe it was the result of this that up until now I prefer
instrumental music over vocal.
It has been a long time since I have heard about Leroy Anderson but I have
heard and enjoyed plenty of music from him. L.A. is said to be >be the most unknown composer with the most well-known music
in the world.
Play any tune composed by L.A. and most people will say "oh, I've heard it,
it's great", but if you ask about the composer or Leroy Anderson, most
will say "sorry", I don't know the name.
Today, you will find very few instrumentals on the charts. The reasons are:
- you may hear really great instrumental music on the radio,
- you don't know the title because even though the radio plays it, they don't
give the title,
- you can't tell the people at the CD Shop the title you want because you don't
know its name,
- you may try to sing or whistle the music but if you aren't really good at
this, the clerk won't understand what you want.
Just the same I go on enjoying Leroy Anderson's music. My favorite CD is
"The Typewriter", a German compilation with many of L.A:'s
Jürgen Beeskow
Wednesday, December 10, 2003
Aloha from Honolulu's #1 Leroy Anderson fan! I just heard Carl Haas's hour
long tribute to the music of Leroy Anderson on public radio. Bravo to Mr.
Haas who programmed a number of lesser known Anderson pieces. His
presentation was well researched and comments were interesting and informative.
William Wiley
Honolulu, Hawaii - Thursday, November 06, 2003 at 8:59 (HST)
My father loves Leroy Anderson's music and I would
wear out his Leroy Anderson records because I played them so much as a young
person. Recently, I was able to give my Dad a 2-cd compilation of all his
favorite Leroy Anderson tunes conducted by Mr. Anderson himself. What a joy it
is to have this music! It is beautiful, pure and a delight to listen to 100% of
the time. There is an inherent dignity in everything Leroy Anderson does which
is inspirational. Cheers!
Jeanine Caughlin
Chicago, IL USA - Wednesday, August 27, 2003 at 11:16:19 (CST)
I "discovered" the music of Leroy Anderson
some weeks ago when I got a 1960 record named "L.A. conducts L.A."
and from the first listening minute I was fascinated. Mr. Anderson composed
wonderful tunes - humorous, dreamy and sophisticated. I loved "Belle From The Ball" from the first time I heard it and now I
found out that it even was his own favorite. However, I want to thank Mister
Leroy Anderson posthumous for his wonderful work and hope that still many
people around the world discover and enjoy his music.
Sincerely,
Andreas Bergmann
Regensburg, Bayern Germany - Friday, August 22, 2003 at 19:33:38 (GMT)
Just am listening to a new CD with all of Leroy's
greatest hits, including Bugler's Holiday. Playing in my high school band in
Connecticut back in the late 1960's, I had the pleasure of playing Bugler's
Holiday under the baton of Leroy Anderson, something I'll never forget.
Tom Anderson
Cheshire, CT USA - Friday, August 22, 2003 at 11:13:26 (EST)
I was thrilled to hear the songs offered on the
site. As a small child, I can remember hearing many of them on the family
radio. I have met Rolf and I knew his father had written music, but I didn't
know just how impressive his accomplishments were. Thanks, Bill
William Ladabouche
Swanton, VT USA - Wednesday, August 20, 2003 at 20:28:44 (EST)
Whoops. My previous comment & question gave no
address! Sorry, No E-mail facility yet. Would love to hear
from others interested in Mr. Anderson, and other light music Conductors or
composers. Thanks
Peter M. Nash
Brockton, , MA USA - Saturday, August 02, 2003 at
16:39:22 (EST)
One of the best web sites I've ever seen, but there
is another area of music publications of the music of Mr. Anderson, and that is
that there were at least 2 Anderson titles which were published for Dance
Orchestra, "Blue Tango" and I believe 2 others I'm not sure about. I
think, even if these are out of print they should be listed. Anybody know of
any other titles in that format? ( my zip code 02301 )
Peter M. Nash
Brockton , MA USA - Saturday, August 02, 2003 at
16:28:21 (EST)
Guess what!!!! The Christmas Festival recording is available on
CD!! It is the original 8.46 minute recording from 1950 under the baton
of Mr. Anderson...the CD has 23 recordings for a total of over 75 minutes and
the quality is superb.. find
it on half.com by ebay...the Irish Suite is also on
the cd...it is from the UK and you will not be
disappointed...I have waited all these years to hear the beautiful >cd quality of "Christmas Festival". You will not
be disappointed. Have fun...
Bill Twibill
Concord, NH USA - Friday, August 01, 2003 at 22:04:16 (EST)
Love his music...have played a good number of them. In fact, we played
"Blue Tango" this week. Keystone Concert Band of
Harrisburg, PA.
Vincent Chiarella
Middletown, PA USA - Tuesday, July 29, 2003 at 23:31:40 (EST)
Mr. Anderson's music is like hearing from an old dear friend.
Robert Updegrove
Anchorage, AK USA - Saturday, July 19, 2003 at 00:38:47 (AKST)
has got to be the most fabulous piece of work ever. I get so emotional
when I hear it,... it's such an experience. Beautiful.
DOLORES PETERSEN
Hollywood, CA USA - Friday, July 18, 2003 at 02:34:55 (PST)
17th of June, 2003 Dear family of Leroy Anderson:
Our greeting from Argentina with reason of the 50th Anniversary of the Concerto
in C. Tomorrow,18 of July, this magnificent music will
be transmitted by the station of radio of the city of Venado
Tuerto, in the state of Santa Fe, like tribute of
genius and the Teacher's work Leroy Anderson.
Next to that, other works as 'Sleigh Ride',
will also be listened in version of the>Teacher's
Orchestra. Happiness Abel and Fernando Bensi.
Abel Bensi
Venado Tuerto, Santa Fe Argentina - Thursday, July 17, 2003 at 20:05:16
I am once again signing in! What a delicious music Leroy Anderson gave us !
Francisco de Assis Lara
Sao Paulo, SP Brazil - Thursday, July 10, 2003 at 16:58:44
I am a 1975 graduate of Cambridge High and Latin and
I had the pleasure of playing viola in the school orchestra in 1973 when the
guest conductor for the spring concert was Leroy Anderson. He grew up in Cambridge
and attended CHLS. I even have a record which was produced for that event. We
played several of his favorite songs and it was great. I'm glad I rediscovered
Leroy Anderson and this great website.
Martha Conley
Holliston , MA USA - Thursday, June 26, 2003 at
11:29:58 (EST)
Hello Mrs. Anderson and The Anderson Family - WKTZ
FM Radio Jacksonville is now on the internet streaming Beautiful Music in
GLORIOUS ((((( S T E R E O ))))) including music by
"America's Strauss" Leroy Anderson. And I note that his 95th birthday
is coming up on the 29th of June. That would be a GREAT time for a Leroy
Anderson Festival on WKTZ Jones College Radio.
Roy B. Quady
The Twin Cities, MN USA - Thursday, June 12, 2003 at 20:40:28 (CST)
Leroy Anderson is one of my favorite composers. I
hope that I can replace the recordings I had years ago. It was a great pleasure
to find your website it is well planned and delightful. Mary Grau
Mary M. Grau
New Port Richey, FL USA - Wednesday, June 04, 2003 at 12:22:12 (EST)
Congratulations on a truly excellent site, and a
fitting tribute to a wonderful composer (an a much
underrated one). As so many visitors here have said in differing ways, his
music speaks to us with eloquence, inventiveness, elegance, style, optimism...
and joy. And for sheer command and technical virtuosity alone he has very few
rivals.
Christopher Honey
Cambridge, United Kingdom - Monday, May 26, 2003 at 09:20:49 (GMT)
Leroy Anderson's music always brings a smile and warmth
to the soul. The best expression that describes his music is that it captures
and represents a _benevolent universe_ -- where happiness is the _normal_ state
of human beings. Thank you, Leroy Anderson!
Edward Scheiderer
Rockville, MD USA - Sunday, May 25, 2003 at 23:03:45 (EST)
It has been wonderful browsing the web site! I am
particularly honored and excited to play the 'Concerto in C' next month in
Boston. Since 1992, it has been a thrill to play, and thank you for allowing it
to be released for us to enjoy. Much love and warmest
regards.
Jeffrey Biegel
Lynbrook, NY USA - Wednesday, May 21, 2003 at 14:15:23 (EST)
My Uncle, Robert Cusumano,
was one of three trumpeters that recorded Bugler's Holiday. Since his passing,
I listen to it regularly. It's a way to keep him close.
Charles Cusumano
Campbellsville, KY USA - Tuesday, May 13, 2003 at 06:36:01 (EST)
I had to do a report on Leroy in my music class and
I picked Leroy because there weren't any more girls left. I >though
that it was going to be boring but after listing to the music on the internet I
have had a lot of fun!
Allison Jacob
Indianpolis, IN USA - Sunday, May 11, 2003 at
16:15:59 (CST)
My favorite composer!! I am from Germany.
Gabi Trapp
Germany - Saturday, May 10, 2003 at 17:32:51 (GMT)
I grew up in the early 50's in a
musical household hearing Mr. Anderson's music all around. I'm enjoying
it all over again! Wonderful man, terrific site. I
played Bugler's Holiday in a group I lead in high school only later to be the
last full time Bugler in the U.S. Navy (1967-1971)aboard
the battleship U.S.S. New Jersey, BB-62. Thank you so
very much! Bert Trottier
Bertrand R. Trottier
San Bernardino, CA USA - Thursday, May 08, 2003 at 23:24:22 (PST)
It is late at night and I don't have time right now
to look through everything at this site, but I will be back. I have collected a
folder full of information on the most talented composer since Mozart. When I
can't sleep at night, guess whose music I listen to?
Nancy Buckman
Pasadena, MD USA - Wednesday, May 07, 2003 at 22:57:03 (EST)
Mr. Anderson's music is of course timeless. And so relaxing.
Benny Messa
Arlington, TX USA - Tuesday, May 06, 2003 at 15:03:19 (CST)
I have long been a fan of Leroy Anderson and have
played his music in numerous military, professional and civic bands over the
years. This website is a wonderful collection of his music and a fitting
tribute to a great American Composer.
Dave Moorehead
Gales Ferry, CT USA - Sunday, May 04, 2003 at 09:20:57 (EST)
I'm interested in knowing a little bit of the
Anderson family's background here in my country, which area and part of Sweden
his parents came from. I also heard that Leroy sang folksongs from Sweden with
his parents as a child. >It's nice to know that my country played a "small" part in
such a brilliant composer's life. His
music has ment a lot for me and will do so. Thank You
Leroy Anderson
Lennart Str?
Stockholm, Sweden - Monday, April 28, 2003 at 09:02:31
I truly think Mr. Anderson was one of the world's
finest composers - they certainly don't make music like that any more!
Sue Halpern
Harrison, NY USA - Sunday, April 27, 2003 at 17:20:14 (EST)
Heavens! Where to begin? A splendidly designed and
executed site, fully worthy of the great composer and splendid human being whom
it commemorates. Like others in this guest book, I grew up on Anderson and,
though I later strayed into fields as disparate as Ornette
Coleman and John Cage, I must admit that nothing warms the heart (and often,
moistens the eye) like a good shot of Leroy Anderson's oeuvre. Surely, no other
serious composer (and he was that, even if not irretrievably wedded to the
sonata form) in my memory has had such a salubrious effect on music and young
musicians as Anderson. Though I couldn't find it in the listing of his
compositions, didn't Anderson also pen a little ditty called "Toy Train"?
Perhaps it was part of a larger work. Anyhow, many thanks for bringing some
very pleasant memories to mind.
Step Tyner
Carmel, CA USA - Saturday, April 26, 2003 at 14:49:46 (PST)
Just a Student doing a report on one of the best
composers ever
Allan Beaudry
Derby, VT USA - Thursday, April 24, 2003 at 09:09:30 (EST)
Leroy's music is ageless and timeless. Still great pleasure to listen to. It's been part of my life
for the past 50 years. Deep Feelings, Jean
Jean Cocart
Paris, idf FRANCE - Wednesday, April 23, 2003 at
05:43:41 (EDT)
My husband and I attended our first symphony
orchestra performance last night where we were introduced to Leroy Anderson
through Serenata, a truly inspiring piece. I was
intrigued enough by the piece to do some investigation as to his history and
other works, and will pursue hearing more live performance of his compositions
in the future.
Gretchen and WIlliam McDonnell
Frisco, TX USA - Sunday, April 20, 2003 at 22:24:59 (CST)
My father, Salvy Cavicchio, was a virtuoso marimba player and a good friend
of Leroy Anderson. He helped Mr. Anderson by notating his works for mallet
instruments. I just found a letter written in 1953 from Leroy to my dad
regarding how far they had both come compared to the old days when they would
drive together to dance jobs at far away venues in bad weather. After finding
that letter I introduced my 8-year-old daughter to Mr. Andersons
music, and she became an instant fan, just as I have been all my life. I know
that Leroy Anderson has enjoyed considerable, and
well-deserved world-wide renown. Nevertheless I feel that appreciation of his
music will continue to grow. He will be well remembered long after 99% of the
overpaid contemporary music stars are long forgotten.
Ray Cavicchio
Stoneham, MA USA - Tuesday, April 08, 2003 at 23:45:10 (EST)
The Leroy Anderson Piano Concerto released by Erich Kunzel sounds wonderful. The wrong notes are a little
disconcerting, but still, it is the only recording. Consider having someone
else do it as well for comparison. My family loves it.
D. Manor
Shavertown, PA United States - Friday, March 28, 2003 at 17:04:52 (EST)
Your web site is great, my father played trumpet
with Leroy Anderson in the late 30's. I play drums and am the leader of the
Gene Krupa Orchestra since 1999, licensed by Gene Krupa II, my name is also >LeRoy
Anderson better known as Roy Anderson, my dad's name
was LeRoy A. Anderson. While in the 579th air force
band in the 1960's were played many of your LeRoy
Anderson's arrangements, which I have most of his recordings, what a wonderful
composer he was as well as a musician. Most sincerely LeRoy
P. Anderson
LeRoy P. Anderson
Poughkeepsie, N.Y. USA - Saturday, March 15, 2003 at 21:44:28 (EST)
I belong to the Concord (Massachusetts) Band, an
amateur adult concert band. Sleigh Ride and Christmas Festival are annual
favorites which we play for our holiday pops concert in December. Recently I
had the pleasure of meeting Leroy's son, Rolf, at the Hazen's Notch cross-country
ski touring center which he directs.
Cynthia
Gray
Bedford, MA USA - Friday, March 14, 2003 at 20:12:15 (EST)
Listening to local classical station this morning(WRR)...a piece came on I've heard many times
before. I listened carefully at it's completion
for it's name and
artist. Piano Concerto in C,,,,by Mr.Anderson. Decided to find out more on web
and found out about all the other music he wrote I really enjoy also.
Thanks!
R.S.Terry
Arlington, TX USA - Thursday, March 13, 2003 at 08:56:56 (EST)
Your website is great. His music has always been
among my top favorites. I first became conscious of his music when I was in the
army in Germany in 51/52. When they would play his music on the Armed Forces
Network he was always referred to as Captain Leroy Anderson. I thought up until
I read your bio that he was doing, or had done, military service leading an
orchestra much like Glenn Miller did. It is also coincidental that the first
date I went on after I was discharged my date and I were listening to a juke
box and Belle of the Ball was played about six times in the hour or so we were
there. Thanks for your hard work.
Donald Pedrick
Rockford, IL USA - Wednesday, March 12, 2003 at 16:16:17 (EST)
I'm delighted that I finally found a way of getting
a recording of "Forgotten Dreams". It's one of my all time favorites.
Dan West
So.
Attleboro, MA USA - Monday, March 10, 2003 at 09:59:05 (EST)
Love your website. I was shocked by the music, I thought something was wrong with my computer. Keep
it up.
Anny Dudewilldu
Leaky Falls, NE USA - Tuesday, March 04, 2003 at 20:13:12 (EST)
Hey, the song is >gecovert.
Dieter Bohlen hat stole blue Tango. The new name is We
have a dream and on the first place in the chats. It is not correct!
Fanny
USA - Saturday, March 01, 2003 at 07:30:58 (EST)
Hello, I am going to the KArlskrona
area of Sweden in September and my great grandmother's maiden name was Anderson
so I am asking "if" Leroy's parents came from that part of Sweden?? I
have been doing genealogy of my grandfather's family with a few friends in
Sweden and also doing some genealogy here in Massachusetts for the people over
in the KArlskrona area of Sweden. There was also a Gustave Anderson a cousin of grandfather's who settled in
Massachusetts for a while then onto Georgia and then he went back to Sweden.. My great grandfather was a stone-cutter in a quarry
in Tjurko or Blekinge so
that is the part of Sweden islands off the coast of KArlskrona
that we will be visiting and then Osterlen area
nearer to Denmark..
Sincerely, Arlene
Arlene [Carlson/Berg] Wise
Dover, NH USA - Sunday, February 23, 2003 at 07:38:15 (EST)
I have learned 4 songs on the piano so far. I enjoy
them very much. I treasure these accomplishments as I have only been taking
piano lessons for three and a half years. I just bought a digital piano and
would like to find a midi file with Leroy Andersons
songs.
Jeannie
Temple City , CA USA - Tuesday, February 18, 2003 at
00:52:19 (EST)
I find the music of Leroy Anderson very uplifting, have the album now for about 25 years and listen
to it often
Marilyh Hicks
Omaha, Ne USA - Saturday, February 15, 2003 at 23:17:56 (EST)
Oh My Gosh, How I LOVE
Leroy Anderson. I am 15, and I go to Biloxi High School in Mississippi. We are
playing Blue Tango right now, preparing it for concert (but, might I add, it
brings NO justice to the piece). I fell in love with the song and immediately
bought a CD. Now I absolutely LOVE songs like Blue Tango, Bugler's Holiday, and
Fiddle Faddle. I just wanted to commend you on the
website. It is really nice. Thanks for giving me more insight on his life. I
have learned SO much! My friends are always getting annoyed because I talk
about his music SO much. I can't help it! I'm a band geek, and proud of it!
Hailey
Biloxi, MS USA - Tuesday, February 11, 2003 at 20:59:21 (EST)
Leroy Anderson's music has been a delight for me
over many, many years. I'm an Eastman grad (horn), and currently enjoying
retirement playing the recorder with other players. I have transcribed/arranged
the non-traditional music of other composer's for recorder ensemble which
include orchestral works and the pop music of Gershwin, Duke Ellington, etc.
only for my enjoyment and the other players who I play with. It seems to me
that the music of Leroy Anderson would sound well in a recorder ensemble
context. I have acquired a few of this tunes with this
in mind. I would welcome to hear from anyone who has similar interests.
FFB
Ithaca, NY USA - Tuesday, February 11, 2003 at 12:08:56 (EST)
I'm doing my 6th grade music project on Mr.
Anderson. This is very helpful. Thank you.
Peter Tobin Sullivan
Hingham, MA USA - Monday, February 10, 2003 at 14:59:39 (EST)
My favorite composer of all time. His music goes right to the heart.
Troy Carlton
Elk Grove, CA USA - Monday, February 10, 2003 at 12:32:22 (EST)
Until lately, I never really thought much about who
performed the beautiful music I heard on the radio growing up in the fifties.
You would always hear Leroy Anderson's music in a television production or on
radio but you rarely saw him or his orchestra. Mr. Anderson's style is one of a
kind, distinct. Leroy Anderson's unmistakable sound produces an all
encompassing sensation of newly awakened vitality and energy, a feeling of
out-in-the-country down home comfort, and the emotions of a busy, bustling and urban
sophistication. Mr. Anderson and his music belong as an icon that represents
all that is good about the American dream. Live on Leroy Anderson! Thank you a
million times.
Ted Pedersen
Calgary, AB Canada - Saturday, February 08, 2003 at 05:44:42 (EST)
I am a third grader and I love Leroy Andersons music especially the typewriter peace.
Margarita Jones
Green Bay, WI USA - Saturday, February 01, 2003 at 21:14:43 (EST)
I had the LP of Christmas Festival >along time ago and have never forgotten it. Where might I
purchase a CD of it.
L. Moralle
Orrville, oh USA - Wednesday, January 29, 2003 at 14:37:57 (EST)
May he rest in peace for ever more.
sean mcreynolds
trenton, on , canada - Tuesday, January 28, 2003 at 15:11:21 (EST)
I can't help imagining the wonderful world we might
have, should we have lots of Leroy Andersons living on it! My best regards to
his family.
Francisco
de Assis Lara
Sao Paulo, Brazil - Monday, January 27, 2003 at 15:31:54 (EST)
Love the website!! We're wondering about the lyrics
to Sleigh Ride an why there seems to be two versions. One we call the "basic" version which doesn't have
the "birthday party at the home of Farmer Gray, etc." and the
"enhanced" version with those extras. Is there a story behind the two
versions??? Would love to hear any opinions!
Kay Grier
Louisville, KY USA - Tuesday, January 07, 2003 at 16:31:43 (EST)
Have always loved several of his tunes Bell of the
Ball and several others, but just recently learned who penned them.
Bill Holland
Newark, NJ USA - Saturday, January 04, 2003 at 15:30:23 (EST)