Serenata (Leroy Anderson) Leroy Anderson And His "Pops" Concert Orchestra (Instrumental)

Описание: Decca Gold Label Series label record # 16006 (76809) Date 1951

Leroy Anderson (1908–1975) was a preeminent American composer of "light concert music" whose work became synonymous with the "Pops" orchestral sound. While he is famously associated with the Boston Pops Orchestra, he also recorded extensively under his own name with Leroy Anderson & His "Pops" Concert Orchestra. 

The "Pops" Concert Orchestra 

After years of arranging for and being performed by the Boston Pops, Anderson signed a recording contract with Decca Records in 1950. For these sessions, he conducted his own "Pops" Concert Orchestra, which was a "pick-up" ensemble primarily composed of New York City’s top symphonic musicians. 

Key Recordings: This ensemble recorded the original versions of many of his most famous works, including "Blue Tango" (1951), which became the first purely instrumental track to sell over a million copies.

Major Albums: Notable releases included Leroy Anderson Conducts His Own Compositions (1950) and A Leroy Anderson "Pops" Concert (1954). 

Relationship with the Boston Pops

Before forming his own recording orchestra, Anderson’s career was launched by Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops. 

Discovery: While a graduate student at Harvard, Anderson's arrangements for the university band caught Fiedler's attention.

First Hits: The Boston Pops premiered his first original composition, Jazz Pizzicato, in 1938.

Standard Repertoire: Many of Anderson’s most iconic pieces, such as "Sleigh Ride" (1948) and "The Syncopated Clock" (1945), were first performed and recorded by the Boston Pops. 

Signature Compositions

Anderson's music is known for being melodic, short (typically under four minutes), and often "descriptive" or humorous. His most famous works recorded with his orchestra include: 

Sleigh Ride: A winter perennial often associated with Christmas.

Blue Tango: A #1 hit on the 1952 charts.

The Typewriter: Famous for using an actual typewriter as a percussion instrument.

The Syncopated Clock: Used for over 25 years as the theme for CBS's The Late Show.

Fiddle-Faddle, Bugler’s Holiday, and Belle of the Ball: Staples of light orchestral repertoire worldwide.