Patter song

A patter song is a special kind of song that is sung very fast with a quick rhythm. Each word in the song matches one note, which makes it sound lively and fun. This type of song is often used in funny operas, especially those by Gilbert and Sullivan, but it can also be heard in musical theater and other shows.

The words in a patter song are usually hard to say quickly, with lots of rhymes and repeating sounds. This makes the song fun to listen to, especially when sung fast. The music for these songs is simple so that the words can be heard clearly. Patter songs are often sung by funny characters and need the singer to speak very clearly while moving quickly.

History

Etymology

The word "patter" comes from the Pater Noster, or Lord's Prayer. People who were Catholic said this prayer in Latin, often quickly. This quick way of speaking gave us the word "patter" in England.

Origins

Fast patter was used in old Greek comedies. In the 1500s, a French composer wrote a song with quick, fast words. Rapid patter became part of Italian opera during a time called the baroque era, especially in funny operas. Early examples include a duet from a 1702 opera by Alessandro Scarlatti. In the 1700s, composers like Pergolesi and Mozart used patter in their comic operas.

In the 1800s, patter was used in operas by Rossini and Donizetti. Well-known examples include Figaro's fast song in Rossini's The Barber of Seville and parts of Donizetti's La Cenerentola.

Gilbert and Sullivan

W. S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan wrote many funny operas together. Sullivan used patter in his first comic opera, Cox and Box. Some famous patter songs from their works include Major-General Stanley's song in The Pirates of Penzance, the Lord Chancellor's song in Iolanthe, and the Colonel's song in Patience. These songs are known for their fast, tongue-twisting lyrics.

Later

Patter songs kept being used in later musical theatre. Examples include songs from early 1900s operettas and musicals like The Music Man.