American composer Leroy Anderson was known for his signature light orchestral music. His unique and memorable melodies have captivated audiences worldwide. An impressive catalog of light concert pieces, including classics like “The Typewriter” and “Sleigh Ride,” have earned him recognition as “one of the great American masters of light orchestral music”.
Childhood and Early Life
Born on June 29, 1908, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Leroy Anderson was the son of Swedish immigrant parents. His mother, an organist at the Swedish Mission Church, introduced him to music at an early age. At age five, Anderson began his first piano lessons under his mother’s tutelage. His father, a postal clerk, also had a musical side—playing the mandolin. This musical environment nurtured Anderson’s talent, and by the time he was 11, he was studying piano at the New England Conservatory of Music.
Anderson’s family lived at 12 Chatham Street in Cambridge, where he spent many happy evenings making music with his parents. “My father played the mandolin, mother played the guitar and I accompanied them on the piano. Those were happy evenings,” Anderson recalled. This early exposure to music and performance laid the foundation for his future career.
Education and Musical Training
In 1925, Anderson enrolled at Harvard College where he studied musical harmony with Walter Spalding, counterpoint with Edward Ballantine, canon and fugue with William C. Heilman, and orchestration with Edward B. Hill and Walter Piston. Learning from these eminent musicians played a pivotal role in shaping Anderson’s musical prowess.
During his time at Harvard, Anderson also studied German and Scandinavian languages. He was fluent in Danish, Norwegian, Icelandic, German, French, Italian, and Portuguese, in addition to English and Swedish, which he had learned in his youth. He believed that his fluency in multiple languages would secure him a career as a language teacher.
Anderson’s musical versatility was evident even during his college years. He played the trombone, organ, and double bass, and also directed the Harvard University Band. His unique and creative arrangements caught the attention of Arthur Fiedler, who would later play a significant role in Anderson’s career.
Career Kickoff and Military Service
Anderson graduated from Harvard in 1929 with a Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude, and further earned his Master of Arts in Music in 1930. He continued his studies at Harvard, focusing on German and Scandinavian languages while simultaneously working as a music tutor at Radcliffe College. Despite his deep love for music, Anderson initially didn’t view it as a viable career path and planned to become a language teacher. However, an opportunity to work with Arthur Fiedler, the conductor of the Boston Pops Orchestra, changed his mind.
During World War II, Anderson’s linguistic skills landed him a role as a translator and interpreter in the U.S. Army Counter Intelligence Corps in Iceland. Despite his military duties, Anderson did not abandon his creative pursuits. He composed pieces like “The Syncopated Clock” and “Promenade” during this period. Post his military service, Anderson decided to fully commit to his musical career.
Musical Success and Fame
The 1950s marked the golden period of Anderson’s career. He composed and conducted his own orchestras, creating hit recordings like “Blue Tango,” “Plink, Plank, Plunk!,” and “Belle of the Ball.” His compositions were not only commercially successful but also well-received by musical critics. “Blue Tango” became the first instrumental recording ever to sell one million copies, earning Anderson a Gold Disc and a top spot on the Billboard charts.
Anderson’s affinity for creating unique instrumental effects led to some of his most famous works. He used a typewriter as a musical instrument in “The Typewriter,” and sandpaper to imitate soft-shoe dancers in “Sandpaper Ballet.” His “Sleigh Ride,” although not originally written for Christmas, has become a holiday favorite.
Broadway Adventure and Later Works
In 1958, Anderson explored musical theater by composing the music for Broadway show “Goldilocks.” Despite earning two Tony awards, the musical did not achieve commercial success, mainly due to criticism towards its storyline. This experience did not deter Anderson from his primary passion—composing orchestral miniatures. His works, including “The Typewriter,” “Bugler’s Holiday,” and “A Trumpeter’s Lullaby,” are still performed by orchestras and bands ranging from school groups to professional organizations.
Recognition and Accolades
Leroy Anderson’s contributions to the music industry did not go unnoticed. In 1976, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contribution to the recording industry. He was posthumously inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1988. In 1995, Harvard University named its new Harvard University Band headquarters the Anderson Band Center in honor of Leroy Anderson.
Personal Life
Anderson married Eleanor Jane Firke in 1942. Together, they raised two sons and a daughter in a house custom-designed by them in Woodbury, Connecticut. Despite his busy career, the family remained an integral part of Anderson’s life.
Legacy and Influence
Anderson passed away from cancer on May 18, 1975, in Woodbury, Connecticut. Even after his death, his music continues to captivate audiences. His compositions are still performed by orchestras worldwide and have influenced countless musicians. Anderson’s legacy lives on, not only through his music but also through the numerous tributes and honors dedicated to him.
Anderson’s life story is a testament to his immense talent and dedication to music. From his humble beginnings in a musical family to his rise as a renowned composer, Anderson’s journey is an inspiring tale for all music lovers. His unique style and innovative compositions have left an indelible mark on the world of light orchestral music, and his influence continues to resonate in the music world today.
Leroy Anderson’s life and career serve as a beacon of inspiration to aspiring composers and music enthusiasts alike. His distinct musical style, innovative compositions, and enduring influence have cemented his legacy as one of the great masters of light orchestral music. Despite the ups and downs, his passion for music remained unwavering, ultimately leading him to create some of the most memorable and cherished pieces in the world of music.