[78-L] The Christmas Songs

[Kristjan Saag]

I wrote:
>> I assure you: "Sleigh Ride" is as dead as a doornail after December
>> 26 even in the iciest parts of Northern Norway.

Mike Biel wrote:
 > Not here in the U.S.  Since I knew one member of the Leroy Anderson
> family and have talked with another, I don't think they would appreciate
> their royalties stopping cold on Dec 26!

---
And I've co-arranged a Leroy Anderson 100 year memorial concert in Gothenurg 
in January where the conductor was happy to exclude "Sleigh Ride", just 
because nobody wants to hear Christmas Songs in January.
And it would probably stay that way no matter the number of lectures Mike 
gave about how to distinguish a Christmas Song from a Santa-free Winter 
Song.
BTW, here are a few quotes from the official Leroy Anderson website 
guestbook. They are all from American contributors...
--

"My top favorites are "Belle of the Ball," "Sleigh Ride" (also my favorite 
Christmas piece)."

"I am in my mid-fifties now, and so most of my Christmas memories as a 
child, were in the 50s and 60s.
I always remember those happy childhood, festive holidays and in particular 
that exciting and magical piece of orchestral music Sleigh Ride."

"Sleighride IS my favorite Christmas song and coming from Michigan I know a 
sleighride when I speak of one. haha."

"Well...it's Christmas time again and I work for a major retail store, and 
so I am treated to Christmas music in the background while at work. Probably 
at least three times a day I hear various versions, both vocal and 
instrumental, of Mr. Anderson's wonderful Sleigh Ride. It always seems to be 
a standout from the rest in it's wonderful, joyful originality and timeless 
quality."

"I watched the special on PBS last night and was thrilled to see how Mr. 
Anderson composed. I never knew who wrote the song I hum every year at 
Christmas time. It sounds like Mr. Anderson was a very special man and I 
will enjoy his music forever and my 10 year old daughter is following in my 
footsteps at humming Sleigh Ride and we love it."

Lots of work ahead, Mike.
Happy New Year
Kristjan