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
Thanks for the web site. As a musician I've always loved "Sleigh Ride" for its cleverness, its relative complexity compared to most other music associated with Christmas time, and also the way it seems to evoke the joy of the season so well. I love the way the tune bounces from one key to another in such ingenious ways. However, due to the relative complexity of the tune I was never quite able to play it by ear/memory like I can with most Christmas tunes. So I took it upon myself this Christmas to learn the tune and to learn about the person who wrote it. This site has made it easy and pleasurable for me to do those things. Thanks again.
Jim Schneider
San Jose, CA, USA. Sunday, December 26, 2004 3:12 AM
Thank you for the Christmas gift of the uplifting musical sounds of Mr. Anderson. I had the pleasure of watching his biography, late on Christmas Eve and awoke
today with a lightness of heart. I was born in the same decade as Mr. Anderson's children, thus I experienced Christmas as it was presented commercially via television,
radio, records and remember his beautiful and happy music. What a wonderful, inspiration he must have been to his family and friends. He was and still is very much admired
for his many talents as well as his impeccable fine character.
Merry Christmas to his family, his memory and may the New Year 2005 bring blessings to all who make this website and Mr. Anderson's music available, after all these years.
It will go on for generations and generations to come, perhaps for all time.
Sincerely,
Tricia Moss
USA. Saturday, December 25, 2004 1:45 PM
sLast night I saw the show about Leroy Anderson on PBS and, although I have enjoyed his popular songs my whole life, this was my first introduction to the artist
himself, and to his lesser known works. His music truly lifts the heart and soars the spirit ... who would expect so much exuberance from such a gentle, reserved soul?
The world has been blessed that this wonderful composer passed this way.
Vicki
Garden Grove, California, USA. December 25, 2004 11:15 AM
Love the music! Saw the special on PBS with my family and they all loved it. Will look forward of buying some of his CD's.
Loved the stuff!
Jerry Kozar
USA. Friday, December 24, 2004 6:40 PM
I just finished reading Mr. Andersons biography and listened to his musical masterpieces. PBS also featured Mr. Anderson on WNET this evening. I thoroughly enjoyed both.
What a wonderful artist he was. I'm certain his music will last for many, many years to come.
L. Beland
Waterbury, CT USA. Sunday, December 19, 2004 7:39 PM
I enjoyed the Public Television Special on Leroy Anderson's life and music last night. When I graduated from Rhodes High School in 1958 the orchestra played
"The Typewriter", and several of us were on stage pretending to type to the music. I enjoy all of his music -- thanks.
Marge Larson
USA. Sunday, December 19, 2004 5:06 PM
As a child in the 1950's I grew up listening to Leroy Anderson music in my home and else where. The TV station in Amarillo, Texas used the "The Typewriter" in the morning
before broadcasting and at the close of the day. I still enjoy the music now on CD. Its been a long haul from records to cd's though.
Officer John. Driskill
Lakeview Police Dept.
El Lago, Texas USA. Tuesday, December 14, 2004 5:48 AM
My name is Brooke and my friends and I are doing a report on the song "Sleigh Ride". We have to write about the history of the song and the composer.
Thank you for the information and hope you all have a wonderful holiday season.
Brooke Taylor
USA. Monday, December 13, 2004 9:58 PM
Playing "Sleigh Ride" several times for gigs this Christmas finally made me look up Anderson's biography and enjoy his other works. This is an exemplary site,
beautifully designed and informative.
Many thanks,
Mack Horton
Professor and Chair
Dept. of East Asian Languages and Cultures
UC/Berkeley, CA USA. Sunday, Dec 12, 2004 8:59 PM
Thank you for the nice website.
David Kyler & Dillon Mustaine
Eden School 4th Grade
Monday, December 06, 2004 6:58 PM
One of my favorite childhood Christmas memories was the concert performed by the high school band. Included each year was the Leroy Anderson Christmas festival. I cannot
think of Christmas and all things in my youth without Leroy Anderson. I am only sorry I never got to say Thank you to him.
Susan Kraska
Sunday, December 05, 2004 10:45 AM
I would like to say that the music of Mr. Anderson is still the freshest and enjoyble music I will hear for the rest of my life. He was great. Thank you.
David Mercado
San Juan, Puerto Rico. Sunday, December 05, 2004 4:30 AM
Best wishes from the Craeye Family.
vincent craye
Ellezelles, Belgium. Wednesday, December 01, 2004 4:02 PM
I can't believe it - A Christmas Festival on CD at last. I'm rushing to buy it !
Thank you for giving us this music.
Ernest Dupont
Tuesday, November 30, 2004 11:02 PM
I've always considered Leroy Anderson to be one of the best American composers.
alan kotz
USA Tuesday, November 30, 2004 5:33 PM
In 1951, my Dad bought a new Pye (British) stereo. The dealer included a record with the new machine, Blue Tango on one side, and Bell of the Ball on the other.
I still have the record. I've been a confirmed Leroy Anderson fan ever since. How lucky we were to have lived in Mr. Anderson's time and to have enjoyed his music
when it (and we) were young.
Jim Hunter
Ottawa, Canada Thursday, November 18, 2004 2:02 PM
I've always enjoyed Mr. Anderson's music. I believe that I first heard it as an elementary school student, at Franklin Elementary School in Anaheim, California
in the late 1950's. Our Principal, Mr. Wilfred Bonney, was an avid fan of quality music. He would turn on the P.A. system every Wednesday morning, and play a special
musical program from KFAC in Los Angeles aimed specifically at elementary students. How can I describe this music when I listen to it? I still listen to it enthusiastically.
It just makes me feel good, and.....happy, for lack of a better word. I am a U.S. History teacher at Lexington Junior High School in Cypress, California, and I play
his "Syncopated Clock" during transition times for each period. Perhaps his music takes me back to a gentler, kinder, better world of the 1950's. Many of my students
seem to take to it very well, and request that it be played frequently. Yes, the arts are extremely important in today's world!
Very Sincerely,
Alex Lamb
Laguna Niguel, CA. USA Tuesday, November 16, 2004 7:23 PM
Thank you for releasing Mr Anderson's christmas recording!! I purchased 2 of the CD's, one for me, and one for my parents...and although Christmas is still over a
month away, we couldn't help but listen to the music immediately !! What wonderful memories !!!!
P.S. (The Walmart site that was offering the CD ran out of stock very quickly...it would seem that many housholds celebrated the Holidays with Mr Anderson's music !!!)
Thanks again, and Merry Christmas !!!
Best regards,
Eric Arnold
Friday, November 12, 2004 1:21 AM
Although I am probably several decades older than the average iTunes user, I was happy to find both the Leonard Slatkin/St. Louis Symphony album and Mr. Anderson's
Christmas album there and bought both of them. I have been playing Mr. Anderson's music for more than 50 years as a trombone and bass trombone player in bands and orchestras.
Playing his music was the best, but listening to it is almost as good.
Bion Hitchcock
Monday, November 08, 2004 10:16 PM
I hope everyone who looks in on this website every so
often sees the notice in the Newsletter section that
Leroy Anderson's Christmas album is now available on
CD.
I've been waiting for this for a long time. Finally,
all the loveliest sounds of Christmas will be heard
again. Mr. Anderson's recordings of Christmas music
were always my favorites -- so beautifully arranged.
So glad the Anderson family has finally gotten this
accomplished.
Rose Curran
USA Monday, November 01, 2004 9:36 PM
Dear Anderson Family,
This is to let you know how much Forgotten Dreams means to me. It was one of my late father's favorites, and I clearly remember his playing the 45 when I was a small girl. Not
long ago, I heard "Forgotten Dreams"on a local classical music station and found myself experiencing a wonderful rush of emotions. Having a piece of music that revives good
memories is the best gift of all.
Sincerely,
Linda Nicholson
Richmond, VA USA Friday, October 15, 2004 8:14 PM
I purchased my first recording of Leroy Anderson in 1961, and I'm still enjoying the music, and buying the recordings.
Trevor Norton
Hampden North Otago, New Zealand October 15, 2004 6:15 AM
I heard his piano concerto for the first time on Classic FM a number of years ago and rushed out to get the CD. Haven't heard it on the radio since. What a wonderful piece.
I listen to it at end of hard working day and am transported...... well, somwhere! Great "chill out" music! Have recommended it to many friends.
Best wishes,
Steve Hutchinson
UK Monday, October 04, 2004 4:26 PM
Hello!
We have been listening to Leroy Anderson as our composer of the month! We played instruments along with "Plink, Plank, Plunk." We've enjoyed listening to this site and realizing that we knew much of his music without knowing it was his!
Mrs. Fritz and Eastern Pulaski Elementary 5th grade (Mrs. Slaven's class)
Mary Ann Fritz
USA Monday, September 27, 2004 12:21 PM
The Typewriter is one of the best songs that I' ve ever heard.
Caio -
Sao Paulo
Brazil Saturday, August 28, 2004 8:24 PM
About two Weeks ago I was searching the tower.co.uk Site for the Collection of Mr. Anderson's own Recordings. I found these, but also, out of NOWHERE,
comes this Recording, The Music Of Leroy Anderson In Concert, USAF Band. I had a Reasonable Idea as to what this would be, so I entered the Link for this
Recording, and _THERE_IT_WAS_, 1972, D.A.R. Constitution Hall here in my Native and Home Washington,D. C., Mr. Anderson conducting the United States Air Force
Band, and I am there also!!!
A Week and a Day later, that Recording was here!!! At the Time, I thought I had _NEVER_ heard a better Performance of "Blue Tango," and this CD has _NOT_ changed my
opinion _ONE_ _WHIT_ despite _MAYBE_ a little Ensemble Difficulty at the Beginning!!! I was just telling Mr. Kurt Anderson that, though this Piece is just a little
Piece of Light Classical Dance Music, the Brass in that Performance, as the Reprise proceeds, is _POSITIVELY_ _THRILLING_!!!
I actually met Mr. Anderson and had quite a Talk with him after the Concert, and that Conversation, together with his Commentary during the Concert, showed a rather
Down-To-Earth Man with whom one might possibly go out and "pal" around with, not the Intellectual I would recently learn he was, proficient in several Languages, etc.
Yet, as Mr. Kurt Anderson pointed out to me, he let his Music, and I would add, his _EXCELLENTLY_-Musical Conducting, do the Talking for him, though, of course, he _DID_
communicate what he wished in his Simple Words as well. That was _INDEED_ a Memorable Afternoon for me, and I thank the Afore-Mentioned Mr. Kurt Anderson
and the rest of the Anderson Family _VERY_ much for arranging to makethese Performances available to us in Permanent Form!!!
I grew up in the 1950's hearing Mr. Anderson's Music, and my Late Mother even had a 78 RPM Record containing "Blue Tango" and "Belle of the Ball" which I _MIGHT_ still
have. And _OF_ _COURSE_, we heard _PLENTY_ of "Sleigh Ride" and, a bit later, "A Christmas Festival," around Christmastime. Two Special Favourites of mine are "The Typewriter"
(Which I called out when the Encores came up at that Air Force Concert) and his Arrangement of "The Irish Washerwoman" from the _Irish_ _Suite_!!! With my customary many thanks
and best wishes to the Members of the Anderson Family and to all who might read this in Future I am Gratefully, respectfully and sincerely,
J. Vaughan
Washington, D. C. USAFriday, July 30, 2004 6:46 PM
Have only recently discovered the wonderful sound and musical arrangements of this gifted man.
Rick Brewster-Webb
Queensland Australia Friday, June 25, 2004 6:14 AM
It is an ancient Jewish tradition to recall the date of passing away of loved ones.the term is "Yahrzheit". Today marks twenty-nine years since the great composer died.
His fans, and the world, lost someone who gave so much to the world of music. His spirit remains in the eternity of his creativity. Today is also the 140 anniversary of the
birth of Nickolai Rimsky-Korsakov.
Danny Gaisin
'Oakville Today ' Canadian Theatre Critics Association, Sr. member
Tuesday, May 18, 2004 10:29 AM
The greatest composer of all! His music WILL last forever!
Monday, May 10, 2004 7:52 PM
I'm in my mid-50's and have heard anderson's music since the early '50s as a child i wouldn't know the name of the work or its author it seemed
my encounters involved his music as 'background accompaniment' a melody to set the stage for the audience's primary focus
This stage may be the 'theme' for a local tv station's afternoon movie (sandpaper ballet), or a nationally-syndicated children's show ('ding-dong school', with miss frances)
Anderson's music always satisfied me as music that was fun to hear, but not overbearing or upstaging something for which it was written anderson's melodies were perfect to
remain in the background; enough to create a pleasant atmosphere, yet not intruding on the audience whose attention was meant to focus on a foreground talent (person, event)
Enthusiasts of anderson's repertoire would know his history of composition and the popularity it found with audiences however, anderson's works, for all their pleasantness and
'staying power', are singularly unremarkable for the low impression made on the public
By the time i was able, with the help of the internet, to pursue anderson's contributions (phonography?), mr. anderson had joined the chorus of angels
perhaps to compose a number as, 'angels dancing on the head of a pin' i have downloaded many of his works to my pc, and enjoy hearing them
It occurred to me that the use of music in gymnastic and ice-skating competitions may prove to be anderson's most lasting impression: upon the audiences
of athletes when i heard 'fiddle-faddle' for the first time knowing its title and attribution, it struck me that i must have heard this piece and others like it often, as
accompaniment during these events
Anderson's works will continue to earn marks in recording history for putting audiences and athletes in the mood cheering their favorite during the
competitions and awards ceremonies
I have to wonder how many times in a year works such as 'fiddle-faddle' or 'bugler's 'holiday' will be cued up for a skater or gymnast who hope this night
will bring them a standing ovation and a first-place award? i'm betting leroy would be
happy to know the champion would be remembered more than his music
A. Waldrep
Charleston, SC Thursday, April 29, 2004 12:01 AM
I was a child in the late 50s and 60's and have always enjoyed immensely the music of Leroy Anderson. 'Captain Kangaroo' featured many of his tunes I have very
early memories of a puppet show with 'Forgotten Dreams' behind it. When I grew up and got to be a fan of PBS' Evening at Pops series, I learned of Mr. Anderson's long
association with the BSO [especially the Pops] and Harvard. I was a Bostonian in my last life but live in Rochester, NY during this one [wink].
You just can't help but smile when you hear a Leroy Anderson tune! I find myself driving or just sitting at my office desk with this dopey grin on my facelost in the
world the wonderful melodies carry you off to! Many a time, a not-so-great day was made not-so-bad-after-all because of Leroy Anderson music. Thanks so much, Leroy,
for all the hours of listening pleasure.
Janet Miller
USA Thursday, April 22, 2004 7:49 PM
Leroy Anderson Forever!
Steve Smith, David Smith
USA Wednesday, April 14, 2004 7:22 PM
All Leroy Anderson Concert in Chicago, Illinois
April 28, 2004
David Katz will conduct the Chicago Bar Association Symphony Orchestra in an all-Anderson concert April 28, 2004 as part of the Chicago Law Day observances.
The concert will be held at the Chicago Bar Association building, 321 South Plymouth Court in Chicago. This concert begins at 6:15 p.m. (CDT). Included in the
program are "Belle of the Ball," "Plink, Plank, Plunk," "Blue Tango," "Forgotten Dreams," "Bugler's Holiday," "The Penny-Whistle Song," "Clarinet Candy," "A Trumpeter's Lullaby,"
"The Typewriter," "Sleigh Ride," "The Syncopated Clock," "The Waltzing Cat," and "Home Stretch."
Kurt Anderson, son of the composer, will conduct several of his father's compositions.
Seating is limited so be sure to arrive early.
Another concert will be held earlier in the day. This concert takes place at 12 Noon on the Daley Plaza and will include music by a variety of composers including
Leroy Anderson. Speeches and music will alternate with each other throughout the program.
Chicago area fans of Leroy Anderson's music won't want to miss either of these programs, especially the evening concert at the Chicago Bar Association building.
Jon Duncan
Chicago Bar Association Symphony Orchestra
I just want to let you know how Leroy Anderson's music has enriched my life. I remember being in elementary grade school in the fifties and listening to the North
Carolina Symphony playing Mr. Anderson's music. Everyone loved pieces like "The Typewriter" and "The Syncopated Clock". But even more special than this memory is the
memory of my mother humming along with the radio as "The Blue Tango" played while she ironed clothes. A year ago I got a cd of music by Leroy Anderson. You cannot imagine
how wonderful his music makes me feel. Sometimes I feel as if my mother is with me in the room. I believe Mr. Anderson was truly touched by God to be able to make people
feel as good as they feel when listening to his creations. As long as his music is played, Mr. Anderson's spirit is still with us. My life has been made better through his music.
Wayne Bancroft
Saturday, April 10, 2004 4:56 PM
Thank you so much for the website which I discovered while browsing through the PBS site. I've loved Mr. Anderson's music since I was a child. One of my earliest memories
is watching my 6-year-old sister "conducting" her first grade class playing "The Syncopated Clock" during a school assembly. His music is surely an American treasure, much
like Norman Rockwell. I'm ordering the video and the CDs too. Thank you for allowing me to focus on this talented man. How proud your family must be!
J. Wright
Wednesday, March 24, 2004 1:14 AM
Hello, the concerto in c is a favourite piece of music of mine never tire of listening to this uplifting joyous sound. goodbye
Ian Bostle
U.K. Thursday, March 04, 2004 11:58 AM
I love Bugler's Holiday. After looking at the list of music Leroy Anderson has written, I forgot, or never realized all the music he wrote that we played in high school.
James E. Hughes
Friday, February 20, 2004 4:36 PM
Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!!
I was SO THRILLED to find your website that I was compelled to write the Anderson family a (lengthy) email about what their father's music means to me. I have long enjoyed the melodies and the very fond memories of dancing with my daddy to the music when I was young. I am so thankful that I finally have found Mr. Anderson.too bad it's after he's long ago passed on. Sincerely, Peggy Sheffield
Peggy Sheffield
Wednesday, February 18, 2004 11:00 AM
Searching for a "light" swing/jazz tune from the early Fifties, I found this site. Sure brings back happy memories! I loved all of Mr. Anderson's
tunes--then and now.
Valerie E Fernandez
Simi Valley, CA. Thursday, February 12, 2004 10:19 PM
Though I played much of Leroy's music I had not been aware of the Piano Concerto until seeing the Peter Rosen video "Once Upon A Sleigh Ride" on the Classic Arts Network a few months ago. And then I saw only the last 2 minutes of the Third Movement. Please accept my thanks for your efforts in that work. Now I don't know which I like better, Bethoven's Fifth, or Anderson's First. Thanks Again !
Dan McGarigle
El Segundo, California
Saturday, January 24, 2004 20:05 PM (PST)