program notes by composition > B > Belle of the Ball
Belle of the Ball
Leroy Anderson
Belle of the Ball was composed in 1951 in the style of a Viennese waltz. Its character is playful and fantasy-like. The melody is rhythmic and comes in short groups of notes, beginning with two notes, then three, then expanding further, skating along elegantly.
Leroy Anderson (1908-1975).was a preeminent American composer of light concert music. He was born in Cambridge MA to first-generation Swedish immigrants. Originally a trombonist, he was director of the Harvard Band. During WW II he served as an Army captain. A versatile linguist, he wrote a book on Icelandic grammar and served in intelligence. Anderson achieved fame as arranger for the Boston Pops Orchestra, and for his conducting.
Last updated on July 17, 2013 by Palatine Concert Band