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
Sleigh Ride is one of
our favorite Christmas songs, and there are so many versions I had forgotten
what the original sounded like.
On Christmas Eve we heard the original on the radio, which I
recognized from many years ago when my parents played the LP "Leroy
Anderson Conducts." My domestic partner had never heard this version, nor
had he even heard of Leroy Anderson.
After a quick internet search, I found your website and
remembered many more songs that I had loved in my earliest childhood. Tears
came to my eyes as I listened to the sample downloads and remembered this
timeless music. I remembered the lighthearted fun my family had watching
televised Leroy Anderson concerts back in the 60s.
Thanks for a wonderful website and for sharing your family
history with us, and for the walk down memory lane. I will definitely buy a CD
and take this "walk" again soon.
Robin Witmore
Santa Cruz, California
December 30, 2005
Leroy Anderson's
music is wonderful!
Mrs. Nena von Bogen
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
December 26, 2005
I have loved the
music of Leroy Anderson since I was a tiny child, so it amazes me that it took
me so long to find out who he was, what kind of a life
he lived. I am thrilled to see that I have never had a Christmas without Sleigh
Ride! I was an infant when he wrote it, and it's one of the first pieces of
music I remember hearing.
Amy Stuart,
Palm Desert, California
December 25, 2005
I am age 81 and am
one who deeply appreciated Leroy Anderson's music. I consider his music to
America as Norman Rockwell's paintings to America.
I recall a period of my life when after graduating from
college, the USA was in a deep recession - jobs were difficult to find. I did
find a job but it was a dead end. My days were mechanical and most frustrating.
Every day I lunched at a local luncheonette. Every lunch, I played serenata on
the juke box, which let me touch beauty and neutralized my sense of
unfullfillment. Shortly after that period I obtained a job in international
trade, which was both a facinating field, as well as financially rewarding.
I will always remember and play Leroy Anderson's music. I
consider him to be one of my best friends.
Edward Rasko
December 25, 2005
I began listening to
Leroy Anderson's music when I was 13 or 14, and for quite a while I claimed him
as my favorite composer. I've since moved on to "heavier" classics,
but Anderson has always occupied a special place in my heart. He taught me how
to listen to an orchestra, and his melodies have been unforgettable. I still
have the old Decca recordings, and Christmas isn't Christmas until I've heard
"Sleigh Ride."
Joe Barron
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
December 23, 2005
I saw Leroy
Anderson's biography on Channel Eight last night and am very impressed. He
surely made a big contribution to the world of music !
We sing Sleigh Ride every year in our Christmas concert. Kudos to Leroy Anderson !
BurtFrisb@aol.com
December 23, 2005
At 37 I would like to
think I know quite a bit about this world and as a lover of history and music
there isn't much I haven't heard.
I recently watched a documentary about Leroy Anderson. I knew the
songs and had heard of the name. Every Christmas I hear his music.
I 'm not sure I am putting into words what I would like to say -
but I felt like a kid who believes in Santa and is getting one of the greatest
gifts of all. I feel so thankful to a man I can not even thank. What a
brilliant mind and such a great gift to receive.
craigandkathleen@netzero.net
December 23, 2005
Awesome
music and exceptional popular music.
Peace,
Jack
December 16, 2005
I cannot tell you how
much I have enjoyed Mr. Anderson's music over the years. What a wonderful composer.
If we could only hear such music again, on a regular basis.
I know I will be humming his music for days.
Lou Leo, N.Y.
December 15, 2005
Leroy Anderson’s gift
of beautiful music is a musical heritage so often taken for granted. There are
very few American composers with music more beautiful than his, yet no other
composer left more memorable, lasting music than Leroy Anderson. “Sleigh Ride”
has to be the best example: it is as though this beautiful, glorious song has
been here forever, and Christmas without it would never be the same.
Tom Tyson
December 14, 2005
I had never really
discovered Mr. Anderson's music, until I turned 50 years old. As a musician,
I'm not sure how his great work escaped me, but a year later, I'm a huge fan,
and so is my wife. We now both have "The Leroy Anderson Collection"
CDs in both our cars, and play them all the time, especially on long road
trips.
;The joyful, inventive melodies Mr. Anderson created are
timeless and transcend the generations. Our 9-year old boy knows all the songs,
and is growing up with some great music now.
Dana Countryman
Seattle, WA
December 11, 2005
My sister & I are
so excited to find this website. Our Dad was a huge fan of Leroy Anderson’s
work. His favorites were Bugler’s Holiday (He played the trumpet) and The
Typewriter. We will be passing on Mr. Anderson’s work to our children and
grandchildren now that we can purchase these CD’s. To say the least it has
brought a lot of nostalgia to our lives with memories of listening to the
records with our Dad, Mom & brothers. Thank you for preserving this
wonderful music.
With Great Admiration,
Rebecca Johnson & Linda Eldridge
December 8, 2005
Thanks to Leroy
Anderson for his numerous brilliant works. His musical phrases are unequalled
in their dexterity, intelligence and polished expression. What a rare privilege
it is to be able to acquire his music to hear as often as we wish!
John Dallair
San Antonio, Texas
December 6, 2005
I have always loved
hearing the music but until today, never knew anything about the man who
composed it. He must have been an interesting person. I have decided that I
want to be sure my grandchildren hear his music so I have ordered two cd.'s
from Amazon so I can play it in my home.
S. Murray
December 6, 2005
As a child growing up
in the early 50's, my life seemed so chaotic. My father, a Marine serving in
Korea, was sent home on emergency leave to see his son afflicted with a severe
case of polio, my mother so young at the time dealing with three children, most
of the time by herself. There just seemed to be so much ugliness in the world.
I remember one day my mother was ironing and I was playing next to her skirts
when on the radio the most beautiful song that I ever heard started playing. To
this day it is my favorite song in the whole world because it makes me feel the
same today as it did back then. That song was "Blue Tango". Every
time that song started playing I was transformed into a child with no problems
as I swirled around and around while dressed in my mothers long skirts. Thank
you Mr. Anderson for being the angel that helped a small girl survive.
Sheri Santini
December 4, 2005
I want to thank you
for the website. My introduction to Leroy Anderson was High School Band, when
we play A Christmas Festival, Sleigh Ride, Bugler's Holiday, and Trumpeter's
Lullaby. I have enjoyed his music through the years and keep checking up on
recent and current recordings.
Judson L. Day
Sacramento, CA
December 3, 2005
The music of Leroy
Anderson has resonated throughout my entire life. I believe that there is no
other composer of any era that surpasses his music in terms of elevating the
spirit and/or inspiring joyous emotion. Mr. Anderson was a gift from God to us
all.
Michael Kandrac
Grand Prairie, Texas
December 3, 2005
I am a new member of
the Harvard University Band, and we are one organization that certainly
wouldn't be anything without Leroy Anderson, his music, and his influence. Most
of our football fight songs were arranged or written by him, and he was
certainly the best known director that the band ever had. I cannot say how much
I appreciate everything he did for us. Even though we will never know him, he
holds a special place in all of our hearts.
Sandy Bolm
HUB Class of '09
December 2, 2005
Frederick Fennell`s
interpretation of Leroy's music is simply fabulous. I`ve just purchased a new
release (SACD) of the Mercury presence recordings with stunning sound. I urge
all of you who worship Leroy Anderson's music to lend an ear. This should be
THE Christmas gift to each and everyone.
Erik Jansson
December 02, 2005
My name is Catia, I'm
14 and I live in Israel. I play 2nd violin in a teenagers' orchestra called
"Aliat-ha-Noar". We are playing now "Fiddle-Faddle", by
Leroy Anderson. I just wanted to tell you that I really enjoy his music and I'm
so glad there are sites like this that will save his memory for ever! Keep up
the good work!
Love,
Catia Kucherenko
November 18, 2005
I was surfing the net
looking for midi files for my pc when I ran into this site. I was introduced to
Mr. Andersons music back in 1975, by my 7th grade
music teacher. He used to turn off the lights and tell us to just close our
eyes, relax and listen to the music. Needless to say this was one of the best
music classes that I ever had. Listening to music midi's
of some of Mr. Anderson's music took me back to a more simpler time of my life.
I have an LP of Mr. Anderson that I won in a contest in this class. As I
graduated from High school one of my 1st jobs was being a Teacher's Aide. To my
luck since I liked music, I was allowed to handle the musical part of the
class. I in turned introduced Mr. Anderson's music to the 5th
& 6th graders in our class. I can't tell how much pleasure I have
enjoyed just from this one LP. It was a real pleasure to run into this site.
Thank you so much for keeping Mr. Anderson's legacy going on. You have done a
wonderful job.
Best wishes,
David E. Diaz
November 17, 2005
Thanks for including
some of The Snycopated Clock. That was one of my favorite songs during my
childhood and it brings back good memories.
John P. Moran
November 16, 2005
This morning, my
husband and I rediscovered our ten inch record of "Leroy Anderson
Conducts". His music is as fresh and beautiful as ever. When "The
Trumpeter's Lullaby" began, we spontaneously began to cry. It is so
beautiful. Thank you, Mr. Anderson.
Dick & Rose Olsgaard
November 15, 2005
The typewriter song
is the best ! Thank you !
Rita Moore
November 04, 2005
This magnificent
American musician placated my world at my lowest point in my short life. Back
in 1950 in the little town of Bolton, England at the age of 6 years old I was
subjected to seeing my father attack my mother in an
attempt to kill her. Leaving the home in the middle of a stormy night, raining,
thundering and lightning - my tiny heart was broken and fearful. Yuletide that
year was the "Hard Candy Christmas". I did not feel safe anymore. My
Mom, sister, brother and I moved into a safe house and a short while later a
home of our own. We got a radio and one night " Blue
Tango" was played and that's when my Mom who was just so happy to be in
our own home, picked me up and danced me around the Parlour. It was the first
time I had felt peace and joy since the attack.
; I shall never forget that awesome feeling. The joy and the
emotion just overwhelmed me. I thought the world had gone mad, but Leroy showed
me there was beauty in the world. God love him, God bless him and the world is
a better place because of him. And I know I will get to thank him personally in
the next life. Always in my heart. Thank you so much
Mr. Anderson!
Michael J. Wilson
November 02, 2005
I am a music teacher
at a Christian private school in Maynard, MA. I have introduced my elementary
students to listening repertoire using "The Syncopated Clock". They
request repeat listenings to this above any and all other musical activity. One
3rd grader had her family immediately purchase Mr. Anderson's Greatest Hits CD.
Thank you for this well put together website.
Mrs. Julie Miller
October 18, 2005
Great
site. I am going to share it with my band students.
Bruce Bjorna
Desert Sky Middle School
Glendale Arizona
September 14, 2005
My first experience
with the music of Leroy Anderson was in the mid 50s; I was a goofy kid playing
clarinet in my high school band during the concert band season (i.e. after the
football season). For a week or so the director had us practicing the
"Trumpeters Lullaby", without the trumpet part, so the the music was
okay but nothing special to me. Then came the day of our
concert and the time in the program when "Trumpeters Lullaby" was to
be play. We played what turned out to be the introduction and everything
was fine. Then all of a sudden a fellow, who I had not seen before, stood up in
the front with a trumpet and began playing the trumpet part. Well, I was so
surprised and caught by the beauty of it I was was dumbfounded, I felt faint
and couldn't play a note. To this day, some 50 or so years later, this piece is
special to me; for that occasion and because of it's
simplistic beauty. Thank goodness there are people like Mr. Anderson who can
create such beauty, particularly in a world that can be quite ugly at times.
Stewart Turner
July 21, 2005
I grew up with
Leroy's music in school and have a strong connection to the man I never met. As
a trumpet player, I hope to sit with him someday as the Heavenly trumpets play
"Bugler's Holiday". It'll be a Great Day!
Karl Williamson
June 11, 2005
The Brass Band in
South Australia that I conduct loves to play the music of Leroy Anderson.
Bugler's Holiday is one of our and our audience's favorites and is often
requested. Thank you for giving us fabulous music to play.
Elizabeth Stoldt
Victor Harbor, South Australia
May 29, 2005
I wanted also to
express my deep appreciation of Leroy Anderson's music.
;In the past month, I've become an enormous fan, playing the
CD I received repeatedly. For me, there is a sparkle and sublimity in many of
his pieces that touch my soul like no other twentieth century composer. Having
been born in 1947, the songs also bring back the unique spirit of the time when
I was a small child. I recall having enjoyed hearing Syncopated Clock and Blue
Tango on the radio when I was only 3 and 4 years old. So through Leroy's music,
I made a direct connection with my early childhood.
;I agree with what John Williams said in a PBS interview, that
Leroy was a true master of light classical music, and that he could very likely
come to be appreciated even more in the future.
;Thank you for helping to preserve and disseminate Leroy's
music.
Ed Bourne
Hawaii
May 20, 2005
THIRTY YEAR
LATER...May, 18th of 2005.
Dear Family of Leroy Anderson:
;The music of our dear Maestro always stays with us, because
his music expresses beautiful feelings. His musical personality grows with the
passing of time. I´m a musician and composer... listening to his records, I
learn many things. Leroy Anderson is like my teather in orchestration. When I
work, his musical figure is in my mind, and when I read his works I feel near
to him. I never knew anyone like him... His music wakes up our inner child and
invites him to play... His music is always ¨joyfull¨ and fills us with mirth and
love, things that the world needs today.
;Leroy Anderson`s music reminds us of a good home, where the
father and mother care and play with the children. His music expresses great
emotion that uplifts me. I never knew him personally, but his melodies tell me
how he was...
Abel Bensi (composer)
Venado Tuerto
Santa Fe. Argentina.
May 18, 2005
Today 30 years have
passed since the death of Leroy Anderson. What a pity that he passed away so
young and so early. But what a wonderful music he has left us. America has
every reason to be proud of this great musician and composer. Many warm
greetings.
Paul Becker, Stockholm, Sweden.
May 18, 2005
Two years ago our
orchestra performed a retrospective of Meastro Anderson's music at our holiday
POPS concert. We performed "The Waltzing Cat" ,"Sycopated
Clock", "Sleigh Ride", "Christmas Festival",
"Sandpaper Ballet", " Trumpeter's Lullay", "Bugler's
Holiday" the collection of Irish folk songs and many others. Our performance
included a video with Mr. Anderson. His music is among the best ever written by
any American composer. We were joined that evening by Mrs. Anderson and Mr.
Anderson's son, who conducted us for several numbers. What a treat. I would
like to thank Mr. Anderson for all his music. It has inspired generations of
composers and musicians.
Michael W. Morley II
Academic Secretary of the University of Mary Washington
Department of Music
UMW-CSO Orchestra Manager
May 10, 2005
Hello
! I am now age 68 and throughout those years I have been enthralled and
enchanted by the compositions, arrangements and playing of Leroy Anderson's
music. Truly, it has enriched my life, and made 'my world' a better place,
while 'wrapped-up-in-his-wizardry' , moment by moment.
Thank you most sincerely, Leroy. - from a grateful
listener.
Arthur C. Healy, Dublin, Ireland
April 25, 2005
Hello! My favorite is
SANDPAPER BALLET. Lovely.
Maxi. Buenos Aires, Argentina.
April 24, 2005
My favorite is the
little-known Suite of Carols for Woodwinds ensemble. Lovely.
Catherine Hope-Cunningham
April 15, 2005
Leroy Anderson's
Bugler's Holiday was a joy to play (especially when the trumpets messed up with
the fast tempo and 16th notes). Great composition!
Vanessa Solorzano
April 13, 2005
When tucked away to
bed back in the early 1960s’, I would often fall asleep to the sound of the
“Syncopated Clock” as played as an introduction of the late
show. This song reminds me of the earliest and most secure memories
of my life. I now play it for my own boys at bedtime as I have all
of their lives. They are now 5 and 8. My family has been
and continues to be blessed by Mr. Anderson’s music. Thank you.
Jim Schanz
April 4, 2005
It is with great
pleasure that I write to express the admirationthat I have for the music of
Leroy Anderson. I have finally found a way to acquire his recordings
that represent that wonderful musical craftsmanship that his
alone. Thank you.
Cicero Gonzaga
March 11, 2005
With the crisp
strains of "Bugler's Holiday" in the background, I keyboard this
note. Great music. I remember high school
orchestra in the early 60s. Pacific High School, San
Bernardino, California. 4200 students, three
music directors. So we had a fairly decent orchestra, with one
conductor for wind and another for string. You never hear of that
anymore, I don't think.
;And it was Anderson's music that was one of the major high
points. I especially liked "Bugler's Holiday" -- since I played
violin! Never could really get a handle on "Fiddle Faddle," I
must admit (though "Jazz Pizzicato" was within the realm of
possibility). But we did, one year, get three trumpeters who could handle
"BH." And "Sleigh Ride" was requisite every year during the
Christmas program -- back when they had those, too.
;Great man, great music. Thanks
to whomever wrote up the biography. I didn't
know anything about his linguistic abilities, or his
work during WWII. He died far too young.
James C. Bangsund
March 5, 2005
Hi. I grew up
with Leroy Anderson's music (born in 1940). The website is great!
Thanks for perpetuating the memory of a great musician!
Jason Neumann-Grable
February 22, 2005
I've been a fan of
Anderson's music since the early 50's when we would listen to recordings played
back at 78rpm. I recently had the opportunity to review a concert by a Canadian
classical group called "Ensemble Vivant". Their two-disk CD titled
"The Music of Leroy Anderson" captures more than his melodies, one can appreciate the essence of the man in
Catherine Wilson's interpretations. I recommend it to all of the composers myriad fans.
Daniel Gaisin
Theatre & Concert critic
"Oakville Today"
February 19, 2005
I have kept coming
back again and again over the past 50 years or so to Mr. Anderson's music. A testimony to the greatness and endurance of this man's
compositions. Back of all the dips and dives of popular tastes, from
ragtime to hip hop, stands this man's extraordinary contribution to american (and world) music. I've always loved it and am
passing on this rich treasure trove to my grandchildren. God bless his memory!
Darwin Jensen
February 04, 2005
Just
a few words of appreciation for the quiet genius of Leroy Anderson.
His genius is to me, that he never had a particular
"sound" to his music because it was so wide and varied with very
creative use of non-conventional "instruments" to express his wide
and varied themes.
Randy Lester
Ottawa, Canada
January 18, 2005
I am an aspiring
clarinetist and I must say,Leroy Anderson's Clarinet
Candy is the best arrangement I have played. Anderson is my favorite composer.
The way he writes is fantastic and so much fun to play.
David Chester
January 11, 2005