The idea,from the beginning, was to make the Boston Pops feel like a different way to experience music.

VOA: standard.2010.07.28

But long before Fiedler picked up the baton, the Boston Pops had carved out a niche, bringing light orchestral music to wide audiences.

VOA: standard.2010.07.28

"I mean it took off like a rocket." Under Fiedler,the Pops truly became a national orchestra, touring the country and appearing on television.

VOA: standard.2010.07.28

And the party continues all summer. The Boston Pops will be giving concerts in and around Boston and at Tanglewood in the Berkshires.

VOA: standard.2010.07.28

"In my experience,anyway, sometimes it just kind of pops into your head and you go with it.

VOA: standard.2010.07.20

But Fiedler wanted the Pops to move beyond light European classics and present new American work.

VOA: standard.2010.07.28

He hired a young bandmaster from Harvard, named Leroy Anderson, to do some arrangements for the Pops, then commissioned him to write some new pieces.

VOA: standard.2010.07.28

Within a few years, these became known as pops concerts.

VOA: standard.2010.07.28

The Boston Pops and its conductor for 50 years,Arthur Fiedler, had a lot to do with its popularity, according to John Williams, the Hollywood composer who followed in Fiedler's footsteps.

VOA: standard.2010.07.28

"I think Stars and Stripes goes with the orchestra,goes with the hall and the entire spirit of what the Pops has brought to the American public, principally,but I think because of Fiedler's television and recordings, to a public around the world,as well."

VOA: standard.2010.07.28