Leroy Anderson
Leroy Anderson (June 29, 1908 – May 18, 1975) was an American composer of short, light concert pieces, many of which were introduced by the Boston Pops Orchestra under the direction of Arthur Fiedler. John Williams described him as "one of the great American masters of light orchestral music."
Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts to Swedish parents, Anderson was given his first piano lessons by his mother, who was a church organist. He continued studying piano at the New England Conservatory of Music. In 1925 Anderson entered Harvard University, where he studied musical harmony with Walter Spalding, counterpoint with Edward Ballantine, canon and fugue with William C. Heilman, orchestration with Edward B. Hill and Walter Piston, composition, also with Piston, and double bass with Gaston Dufresne. He also studied organ with Henry Gideon. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Magna cum laude in 1929 and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. In Harvard University Graduate School, he studied composition with Walter Piston and Georges Enescu and received a Master of Arts in Music in 1930.
In 1975, Anderson died of cancer in Woodbury, Connecticut and was buried there.
Latest releases
Recent highlights
Bandology
FANtastic Christmas (A) - Christmas Favorites chosen by Classical Music Fans
CLASSICAL MUSIC FOR THE BEACH
The Nationals 2012
Classical Music for Christmas - 50 of the Best
Wind Band Music - SMITH, C.T. / REED, A. / HOLST, G. / SPARKE, P. / BROUGHTON, B. (In the World of Spirits) (Emory Symphonic Winds, S.A. Stewart)
Rejoice: Christmas at The Sage Gateshead
A Family Christmas: Royal Scottish National Orchestra
Christmas Classics
Marco Polo Light Music Sampler
Fairey Band in Concert
GOLDEN AGE OF SALON MUSIC (The) (Schwanen Salon Orchestra, G. Huber)
ANDERSON, L.: Orchestral Music, Vol. 5 – Goldilocks / Suite of Carols (version for woodwinds)
ANDERSON, L.: Sleigh Ride and Other Holiday Favourites (BBC Concert Orchestra, L. Slatkin)
ANDERSON, L.: Orchestral Music, Vol. 4 - Irish Suite / Scottish Suite / Alma Mater / A Christmas Festival