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G u e s t b o o k 2003
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Guestbook entries for the year 2003 are published below: |
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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 <mcmanma@attglobal.net> 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. <esistrad@pcom.net> 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 <mr_keem@hotmail.com> 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 < ryant11@hotmail.com> 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 < juergen.beeskow@t-online.de> 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 < wwiley@hawaii.rr.com> 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 <jeanine-caughlin@iwon.com> 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 Andreas Bergmann <abergmann@the-main-event.de> 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 <TomBison@aol.com> 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 <wladabou@Earthlink.net> 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 <13 Custer St.> 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...
Love his music...have played a good number of them. In fact, we played "Blue Tango" this week. Keystone Concert Band of Harrisburg, PA.
Mr. Anderson's music is like hearing from an old dear friend. Serenata 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 <dolwood@aol.com> 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. E-mail:bensiluthier@yahoo.com.ar Abel Bensi <bensiluthier@yahoo.com.ar> 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 <falara@uol.com.br> 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 <mcbc79@excite.com> 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 <fansofwktz@yahoo.com> 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 <MaryGrau@webtv.net> 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 <chrishoney@aol.com> 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 <edwardscheiderer@earthlink.net> 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 <sharpnat@aol.com> 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 <bezoar@alltel.net> 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 <ajacob-ball@comcast.net> 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 <berttrottier@triadworld.com> 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 <eefer@earthlink.net> 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 <oompahdave@aol.com> 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? <info @ oal.se> 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 <sugail@aol.com> 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 <styner@stsllc.com> 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 <allan_beaudry@hotmail.com> 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 <jcocart@hotmail.com> 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 & WIlliam McDonnell <gmcdonnell@attbi.com> 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 Ray Cavicchio <xraycav@attbi.com> 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 <orthosurg717@hotmail.com> 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 <GeneKrupaAssoc@aol.com> 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 <crwgray@aol.com> 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 <rt911@prodigy.net> 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 <dlp-28@insightbb.com> 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 <dwest@ti.com> 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 <Setpointac@aol.com> 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 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 <goldenseal@attbi.com> 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 <morbrit@msn.com> 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 <russmarilyn1@cox.net> 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 <BettyBooop@cableone.net> 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 FFB <ffb30@juno.com> 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 <ambriano1@attbi.com> 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 <troyc@inreach.com> 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 <DelicadosMusic@shaw.ca> 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 <Ritarojo@new.rr.com> 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 <cabinbuddy@bright.net> Orrville, oh USA - Wednesday, January 29, 2003 at 14:37:57 (EST) May he rest in peace for ever more. sean mcreynolds <slisliver@hotmail.com> 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 <falara@uol.com.br> 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 <kmgrier224@aol.com> 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) |