Leroy Anderson's music almost always exuded American flavors in its generally light character. Serenata presents a Spanish idiom, however, both in its perky rhythms and lively main theme. But as his admirers are aware, Anderson can rarely suppress his American soul for long in any piece. Here the music eventually betrays his deep-rooted nationalism, in particular when the instrumentation divulges that distinctive carefree optimism so common in other Anderson works. The composer makes no attempt to poke fun at the Spanish idiom in this joyous piece—a work said to be Boston Pops conductor Arthur Fiedler's favorite Anderson composition. Serenata opens with a brief fanfare-like introduction, after which a lively rhythm is presented. Soon, a spirited, somewhat Romantic theme of Spanish character is heard overtop it. On its second appearance, some of its Spanish colors are bleached, as the strings soar and bring on a more carefree, more Andersonian style. Listeners will hear Spanish feet dancing alright, but in a distinctly American ballroom. The middle section features a more Spanish or Latin character in its playful manner and reappearance of the opening material. The main theme returns for a reprise and when it is taken up by the brass near the end, it imparts a delightful festive grandiosity.

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