Have you heard of the light and bubbly compositions of Leroy Anderson?
Anderson has conducted his very own orchestras in the 1950s. He has successfully hit recordings like Belle of the Ball, Blue Tango, and Plink, Plank, Plunk! Leroy Anderson is a master of music incorporating typical everyday tools as a musical instrument. He incorporated a typewriter in the “The Typewriter” and sandpaper in the “Sandpaper Ballet”. The latter, he used to copy soft-shoe dancers. He also made projects like creating the music for Goldilocks and a Broadway musical in 1958. Leroy Anderson’s works were said to be the most performed among American composers in 1953 as stated by the American Symphony League.
The Typewriter (a concerto for orchestra and solo typewriter)
Recognition
The Boston Pops Orchestra has paid honor to Leroy Anderson in 1972. In a live concert that was televised for nationwide television, Anderson appeared and guest-conducted one piece on the said concert. According to his wife, Eleanor, it was the most important event of his life. He went back to Cambridge after a year with a purpose to conduct the Cambridge Rindge orchestra in 1973. He went on to write and conduct his own music in North America. He died 1n 1975 due to cancer.
A Legend to American Music
Four decades following the death of Leroy Anderson, his popular music has evolved to American classic music. “It is difficult to assume that an individual in fact composed Sleigh Ride,” said an audience. “It is like it originated from the spirit. Sleigh Ride is among those components of music that feels as if it has been there all the time; yet another great element of daily life.” It is is a good thought that around the globe somebody is either playing or listening to the music of Leroy Anderson every day.
Final Thoughts
There are many artists who bring back Anderson’s music to life like Dubuque Symphony Orchestra with Joe Klinebriel, Alfredo Anaya, conductor Miguel Roa, VSO and percussionists – Philip Johnson, Terry Shingler, and Sonny Rosa.
Sandpaper Ballet – Leroy Anderson
Music artists and composers today get inspiration from Anderson’s work too. With so many sounds created from our daily work, like the sound of an orbital sander, a hammer jack, and even a welding machine all can somehow produce great music that can synchronize with a great orchestral accompaniment.