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
kiyoe2@sbcglobal.net
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 yappytm@charter.net
USA. Saturday,
December 25, 2004 1:45 PM
Last 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 Black PrintingLady@aol.com
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 jkozar6058@sbcglobal.net
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 Lesbeland@aol.com
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
merry-go-round@peoplepc.com
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 jdriskill@lakeviewpd.el-lago.com
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 bmbntaylor@earthlink.net
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 hmhorton@socrates.Berkeley.EDU
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
nward nward@hrtc.net
USA. 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
susankraska48@hotmail.com
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 CUEMBE1010@aol.com
San Juan, Puerto Rico. Sunday,
December 05, 2004 4:30 AM
Best wishes from the Craeye Family.
vincent craye
vcraeye@tiscali.be
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
edupont@nrtco.net
Tuesday, November 30, 2004 11:02 PM
I've always considered Leroy Anderson to be one of the best American
composers.
alan kotz kotzalaninsuranc@qwest.net
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
jhunter@magma.ca
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
alpafi@earthlink.net
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 eric_p_01@comcast.net
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
sugarland@earthlink.net
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 rjcurran@yahoo.com
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
lindanicholson@comcast.net
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 pahau@wave.co.nz
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
sp.hutchinson@virgin.net
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
Fritzm@epulaski.k12.in.us
USA
Monday, September 27, 2004 12:21 PM
The Typewriter is one of the best songs that I' ve ever heard.
Caio -
Sao Paulo cr.gutierrez@uol.com.br
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
make these 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 jvaughan@veriuni.com
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 brewweb@bigpond.com
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
dangaisin@sympatico.ca
'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!
WVolzjr@aol.com
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 Remoat@aol.com
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
face…lost 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 jem9334@rit.edu
USA Thursday, April 22, 2004 7:49 PM
Leroy Anderson Forever!
Steve Smith, David Smith
Calramblers@aol.com
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 wbancroft@triad.rr.com
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 wrightbranch@yahoo.com
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 ian.bostle@tesco.net
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 jhughes@eastmoline.com
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
Pegster365@aol.com
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
fernandez@sbcglobal.net
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 <netmgr@pbs.org>
El Segundo, California Saturday, January 24, 2004 20:05 PM (PST)
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