Leroy Anderson Popular Song Rankings [2025]

A Trumpeter’s HolidayLeroy Anderson1rank/position

[Piano Duet] Bugler’s Holiday / Leroy Anderson / Piano Duo Lumière / Bugler’s Holiday / Leroy Anderson / 4-hands piano

Composed by Leroy Anderson in 1954, this work is characterized by its lively and brilliant style.

Anderson was a gifted composer who studied music at Harvard University and further honed his craft at the New England Conservatory.

The original piece is a short work of about two minutes and forty seconds that highlights three trumpets, yet it is packed with musical richness that captivates listeners.

Depicting a trumpeter’s holiday, the piece combines strength with gentleness and delicacy—quintessential Anderson.

It’s also highly recommended for piano four hands! Perfect for those seeking sparkle or a dense musical experience in a short piece.

typewriterLeroy Anderson2rank/position

[Piano Duet] The Typewriter / Leroy Anderson / Piano Duo Lumière / The Typewriter / Leroy Anderson / 4-hands piano

If you’re looking for a cheerful and amusing four-hand duet for intermediate players, how about The Typewriter by the American composer Leroy Anderson? A “typewriter” is a machine that predates word processors and modern computers, which prints letters on paper by striking type against it.

This piece cleverly treats the typing sounds—what we’d now associate with computer keyboard clicks—as percussion and incorporates them into the music.

Because the tempo is fast and there are many rapid runs, it’s a good idea to assign the more virtuosic passages with fast runs to the advanced player, and the lower accompaniment part to the intermediate player, and practice accordingly.

As you improve, you can switch parts; if that’s difficult, the advanced player can support the intermediate player.

It’s a delightful piece and perfect for an encore!

Blue TangoLeroy Anderson3rank/position

Blue Tango composed by Leroy Anderson, arranged by Masanori Iida

Composer Leroy Anderson, who gained popularity for his light and lively musical style.

He’s an indispensable figure when discussing American light music.

Among his works, the one I especially recommend is Blue Tango.

It’s frequently used in the media, so many of you have probably heard it.

As a solo piece it requires a fair degree of technical skill, but as a duet it’s well within reach for beginners approaching the intermediate level.

That said, it calls for a powerful performance, so a certain amount of stamina is necessary.

Lullaby of the TrumpeterLeroy Anderson4rank/position

12 A Trumpeter’s Lullaby – Lullaby of the Trumpet Player

This piece, with its gentle, nostalgic melody, is recommended not only for small children but also for adults who have just started playing the trumpet and are gradually getting a sound out of it.

Composed in 1949 by the American composer Leroy Anderson, it beautifully blends a quiet trumpet line with tender orchestral accompaniment.

Its distinctive atmosphere, using a scale reminiscent of Scottish folk songs, resonates deeply with listeners.

Showcasing the trumpet’s many charms to the fullest, the work has been beloved by many since its premiere by the Boston Pops Orchestra in May 1950.

sleddingLeroy Anderson5rank/position

Christmas Orchestra / Anderson: Sleigh Ride — Junpei Fujita, conductor / Tanpopo Symphony Orchestra

An orchestral piece composed by Leroy Anderson in 1948.

The continuous sleigh bells create an atmosphere that evokes falling snow.

While riding a lively rhythm, a warm melody is woven by various instruments.

It shifts into a jazz-like performance at times, and at the end the trumpet imitates a horse’s neigh—making it a delightfully enjoyable piece to listen to!

The Syncopated ClockLeroy Anderson6rank/position

February 15, 2009, National Music Academy Orchestra, Conductor: Takashi Iiyoshi, “The Syncopated Clock”

Syncopation refers to deliberately shifting the beat, accents, and rhythm to create groove and dynamic contrast.

The Syncopated Clock employs this technique, and its subtle offbeat placement is so masterful that the piece becomes unforgettable after just one listen.

Syncopated ClockLeroy Anderson7rank/position

Anderson “Syncopated Clock” Ferris Conservatory of Music

This piece was composed in 1946 by Leroy Anderson, an important composer of modern music.

If you play the piano, you may know it as a beginner-friendly piece titled “The Syncopated Clock.” As the title suggests, it’s built around syncopated rhythms: a woodblock mimics the ticking of a clock, an alarm bell rings partway through, and in a witty twist at the end, the clock breaks down.

You can’t help but admire the ingenuity of the idea.

Because it uses syncopation, the rhythm of the clock—which should keep perfect time—slips out of sync, and that subversion is masterful.

On a cool autumn day, it might be nice for the whole family to enjoy some fun classical music together.