Leroy Anderson: Sleigh Ride

Leroy Anderson 1908 – 1975. 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."

Composed February 1948;
Performed 1949; 69 years ago...
"Sleigh Ride" performed instrumentally by the United States Navy Band in December 2012
"Sleigh Ride" is a popular light orchestra standard. The composer had the original idea for the piece during a heat wave in July 1946 and finished the work in February 1948. It was originally instrumental; the lyrics, where someone asks another to join them for a ride in a sleigh, were written by Mitchell Parish in 1950. The orchestral version was first recorded in 1949 by Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops Orchestra. "Sleigh Ride" was a hit record on RCA Victor Red Seal 49-0515 (45 rpm) / 10-1484 (78 rpm), and has become one of the orchestra's signature songs. The 45 rpm version was originally issued on red vinyl. The Pops has also recorded the song with John Williams, their conductor from 1979 to 1995, and Keith Lockhart, their current conductor.

On this video enjoy this exciting seasonal fantasy with Santa and his sleigh.
This is an Album to OWN if you love light music and a fine American orchestra, such memorable tunes!
Available from Amazon.
Album Info:-
'American Classics'.
Leroy Anderson Orchestral Favourites.
Richard Hayman and his Orchestra.
Recorded 1989.
Naxos.8.559125

Apologies for any unintended infringement of copyright. In mitigation there is no element of profit or personal gain in the making of this video and any offence caused is totally unintentional

[grahammiles]

Lovely. And a timely upload for this time of year...for you Jayne Anne! Me, I have the air-conditioning on to get some relief from our 34 degrees (Celsius) heat!!!

[johnreddington]

Thanks Jayne Anne for your kind wishes. I love this tune and your images really enhance the music. Coincidentally there is a full moon tonight but it’s a little bit early for Santa .