Leroy Anderson

Arietta

Leroy Anderson composed "Arietta" in 1962 in Woodbury, Connecticut. The main melody first materialized as a brief eight-measure sketch for viola and cello, intended for Leroy Anderson's daughter Jane on viola and himself on cello. Anderson later decided to expand the melody into a composition for string orchestra. Leroy Anderson is known for his polished orchestrations of descriptive compositions, characterized as romantic or nostalgic in theme. "Arietta" stands in contrast as an elegant, cool and somewhat abstract piece. "...the string part of the orchestra and string orchestra editions are identical, since the music is complete with strings alone. Wind parts of the orchestra editions double the strings for added color and may be used as available."

An American Pops classic in its original scoring, this work is part of the Anderson Classics Series by E.F. Kalmus. This set for just string orchestra includes a string count of 8-8-5-5-5.