Search - Erich Kunzel & Newton Wayland, Rochester Pops :: Leroy Andersons Greatest Hits

There Are Better Recordings

Peter Prainito | Lombard, IL USA | 08/31/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"The music of Leroy Anderson can best be described as a piece of American Apple Pie, he's the Norman Rockwell of Americana music. Almost everyone knows some tunes by this composer. His delightful and feel good music just makes you happy. Leroy Anderson's best known works are "The Syncopated Clock", "The Typewriter", and "Sleigh Ride", but there are many more just as tuneful. This recording by Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops has many merits, but, in all honesty, there are better recordings and performances available. Some of the problems with this CD range from ill-advised tempos ("Fiddle Faddle" is performed way too fast), muddy acoustics, sloppy playing, and live performances ("The Irish Suite") with coughing and applause. I usually avoid live performances because of the usual problems that are associated with them. No place on the CD's front or back cover does it mention that there are live performance tracks. Although price-wise this CD is a good value and contains some enjoyable renditions, I would suggest looking toward the Frederick Fennell (Mercury Living Presence) or Leonard Slatkin (RCA) CDs for better sound and performances. There are also other good CDs available, such as a mono recording in which composer Leroy Anderson conducts his own music. You can't get much better than that."

Leroy Anderson - Best Known Music, Least Known Composer

David E Hiett | Springfield, Missouri United States | 02/22/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Leroy Anderson's music is among America's best known, yet he is one of America's least recognized composers. No orchestra in the world can escape a December concert without Sleigh Ride. Al Hirt's Trumpeter's Lullaby makes me cry. Belle of the Ball makes me dance. Lots of "toe tappers" in this collection. A few greats such as Sandpaper Ballet left out, and liner notes could be more complete. Still, Arthur Fiedler's Boston Pops does Leroy Anderson's music best."

Leroy Anderson is an American gem.

David E Hiett | 10/05/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Because he is considered a "pop" composer, Leroy Anderson has not gotten the recognition he deserves as a writer of fabulous tunes. In an age when the writing of actual melodies seems almost lost, Anderson produced gem after gem of beautiful and often funny music. This CD provides a terrificd sampling of his fabulous short works."