Post Description

"Sleigh Ride" is a popular light orchestral piece composed by Leroy Anderson. The composer had the original idea for the piece during a heat wave in July 1946; he finished the work in February 1948. Lyrics, about a person who would like to ride in a sleigh on a winter's day with another person, were written by Mitchell Parish in 1950. The orchestral version was first recorded in 1949 by Arthur Fiedler and The Boston Pops Orchestra. The song was a hit record on RCA Victor Red Seal 49-0515 (45 rpm) / 10-1484 (78 rpm), and has become the equivalent of a signature song for the orchestra. The 45 rpm version was originally issued on red vinyl. This original mono version has never been available on CD, although the later 1959 re-recording is available in stereo. The orchestra has also recorded the song with John Williams, their conductor from 1979 to 1995, and Keith Lockhart, their current conductor.
 
Leroy Anderson recorded his own version of "Sleigh Ride" in 1950 on Decca 9-16000 (45 rpm) / 16000 (78 rpm). This monaural version is available on CD as well as his 1959 stereo re-recording. This recording hit the Cashbox magazine best sellers chart when re-released in 1952.

Tracklist

1. Sleigh Ride
 2. Syncopated Clock
 3. Serenata
 4. Trumpeter's Lullaby
 5. Promenade
 6. Saraband
 7. Jazz Pizzicato Jazz Legato
 8. Waltzing Cat
 9. Plink Plank Plunk
 10. Belle Of The Ball
 11. Blue Tango
 12. Horse And Buggy
 13. Phantom Regiment
 14. China Doll
 15. Penny Whistle Song
 16. Fiddle Faddle