Leroy Anderson

Belle of the Ball for Orchestra

Like most of Leroy Anderson's efforts, "Belle of the Ball" is light, effervescent, and devoid of conflict or disharmony. Anderson looked upon the piece as a modern-day American revival -- or revitalization -- of the Viennese waltz tradition. Having said that, the main theme sounds rather unlike a Strauss waltz, but the voice of Tchaikovsky is evident in its playful, fantasy-like character. The melody is rhythmic and comes in short groups of notes, beginning with two notes, then three, then expanding further; the music skates along elegantly. The middle section features a delightful variation on the theme, in which Anderson's gentle belled sonorities impart a playful innocence.

An American Pops classic in its original scoring, this work is part of the Anderson Classics Series by E.F. Kalmus. Instrumentation: 2+Picc.2.2.2: 2ASax.Tsax: 4.3.3.1: Perc(3): Str (9-8-7-6-5 in set). A piano conductor/condensed score only is included in the set. A version by the composer for band is also available.