The "patter song" became a staple of Gilbert and Sullivan operettas in the late 1800's. These were songs that contained many, many words delivered at break-neck speeds. The most famous of their patter songs is "I am the Very Model of a Modern Major General" from The Pirates of Penzance. In the song lyrics, the character of Major Stanley states how he has all the knowledge of his age that suits the modern man that he is. When done well, this song is very entertaining. Most other shows by Gilbert and Sullivan had to have at least one "patter song."
So, in keeping with that model, I have endeavored to write a patter song for my new show. However, this song needn't be a show stopper with many verses and many, many words. The young actors who enroll for my shows are usually very inexperienced singers. In writing that new song, I needed to keep it singable for a kid between the ages of 8 and 11. It probably needed to stay in a "speak-singable" range, too. With this in mind, I decided to just have one verse and a chorus repeated, and stick to basically a 5-note melody.
So, in keeping with that model, I have endeavored to write a patter song for my new show. However, this song needn't be a show stopper with many verses and many, many words. The young actors who enroll for my shows are usually very inexperienced singers. In writing that new song, I needed to keep it singable for a kid between the ages of 8 and 11. It probably needed to stay in a "speak-singable" range, too. With this in mind, I decided to just have one verse and a chorus repeated, and stick to basically a 5-note melody.
What I came up with includes an accellerando (speeding up) with a sudden stop. During the stop, the actor will take an exaggerated breath for comic effect, then go on to the finish. It's all a matter of comic delivery and style. I am so hopeful that I will get a student who can pull this song off.
The animal character I decided should sing this song is a Zebra. It actually doesn't exactly need to be a Zebra, that's just what I imagined the character to be. The song has sort of a galloping gait. Perhaps I will even put some percussion horse "clip clops" in the final accompaniment track.
"The Moment's Here" -- The Zebra's Candidate Song
The moment's here. Oh, do not fear this day anticipated____
When all would hear and come to cheer new royalty awaited.
You've heard it said, the King is dead. (accellerando)
No need to dread for in his stead
His path I'll tread, new cheer I'll spread. (Takes an exaggerated breath)
I'm perfectly si-tu-a-____ted____
To follow through the things he'd do,
The King's pure rhyme and reason
Put to the test. I'll never rest,
This is MY royal season.
You've heard it said, the King is dead. (accellerando)
No need to dread for in his stead
His path I'll tread, new cheer I'll spread. (Takes an exaggerated breath)
I'm perfectly si-tu-a-____ted____
To follow through the things he'd do,
The King's pure rhyme and reason
Put to the test. I'll never rest,
This is MY royal season.
The animal character I decided should sing this song is a Zebra. It actually doesn't exactly need to be a Zebra, that's just what I imagined the character to be. The song has sort of a galloping gait. Perhaps I will even put some percussion horse "clip clops" in the final accompaniment track.
"The Moment's Here" -- The Zebra's Candidate Song
The moment's here. Oh, do not fear this day anticipated____
When all would hear and come to cheer new royalty awaited.
You've heard it said, the King is dead. (accellerando)
No need to dread for in his stead
His path I'll tread, new cheer I'll spread. (Takes an exaggerated breath)
I'm perfectly si-tu-a-____ted____
To follow through the things he'd do,
The King's pure rhyme and reason
Put to the test. I'll never rest,
This is MY royal season.
You've heard it said, the King is dead. (accellerando)
No need to dread for in his stead
His path I'll tread, new cheer I'll spread. (Takes an exaggerated breath)
I'm perfectly si-tu-a-____ted____
To follow through the things he'd do,
The King's pure rhyme and reason
Put to the test. I'll never rest,
This is MY royal season.
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