Search - Leroy Anderson, Leonard Slatkin, Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra :: The Typewriter: Leroy Anderson Favorites

A Great Recording of a Lovable American Composer's Music

Timothy Kearney | Hull, MA United States | 04/08/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I've always loved the music of Leroy Anderson. It has a magical quality that tends to pull a person right into the piece. For example, who, when listening to "Sleigh Ride," does not imagine going on a ride through the snow in Vermont on a winter's day? Titles such as the" Waltzing Cat," "The Syncopated Clock" and "Belle of the Ball" all sound as their titles imply. While the music could be termed `light classical," musicians playing the pieces have to be versatile as the solo parts for works such as "Bugler's Holiday" and "Clarinet Candy" easily demonstrate.I will have to admit, when it comes to Anderson's music, usually no one beats the Boston Pops, especially under the direction of Arthur Fiedler. For many years Anderson was a collaborator of Fielder's and many of the Pops best known arrangements are those of Anderson. Perhaps this is why the Boston Pops performances of Anderson's music have an authentic feel to them. Yet if there is a close second to The Boston Pops' performances, it would be this collection by Leonard Slatkin and the St. Louis Symphony. Slatkin has a love and appreciation for the music and lead the orchestra in a competent and enjoyable manner.This collection includes many of Anderson's favorites such as "Blue Tango," "Phantom Regiment," "Trumpeter's Lullaby," and "Fiddle Faddle" as well as many of Anderson's lesser known works. Which make the collection a real treat."

A whimsical pick-me-up

burghtenor | Washington, DC | 09/02/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The collaboration between conductor Arthur Fiedler and composer Leroy Anderson gave birth to the unique sound of the Boston Pops Orchestra. Anderson was without peer in writing works for "light" orchestra: short, often whimsical, always pleasant pieces for symphonic ensembles. One of Anderson's trademarks was coming up with creative ways for the orchestra to portray common sounds from the outside world. Anderson's two best-known pieces employ this technique: a trumpet simulates a horse's whinny at the end of "Sleigh Ride," while woodblocks indicate the rhythmic imbalance of "The Syncopated Clock." Although Anderson never became a household name, many Americans are probably familiar with several of his other works, including "The Typewriter" and "Blue Tango." This CD features Leonard Slatkin and the St. Louis Symphony, but there is another great CD of Anderson's works by Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops. While both recordings are great, I give the edge to this CD. While Fiedler naturally has a better feel for Anderson's music (most notably on the "Sandpaper Ballet" and "Jazz Pizzicato"), Slatkin has recorded nine pieces not found on the Fiedler CD, including the delightful "Phantom Regiment," "First Day of Spring," "Forgotten Dreams," "Horse and Buggy," and my personal favorite, "Saraband."This recording is a pleasure from beginning to end. I often find myself playing this CD two or three times in a row (and sometimes pressing "shuffle" after that) because Anderson's relentlessly happy music makes me feel that everything is right with the world."

Fine but lacks the last ounce of vitality

Issei Takechi | Saitama, Japan | 05/10/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is a fine Leroy Anderson disc. No one happening upon this disc will likely be seriously disappointed. But wait! Try the recording conducted by the composer himself or the one by Arthur Fieldler before you have any last word. They both have so much verve and vitality that the music literally leaps out of the speakers. The difference hits home immediately after such numbers as Fiddle Faddle or Bugler's Holiday begin. Coming back to Slatkin, you will probably feel that his interepretaton is a bit on a sedate side. However, Slatkin brings wonderful warmth to slower numbers and has the advantage of modern digital recording. The choice is yours."