+++
author = ["authors/jenna.md"]
categories = "Humour"
date = "2016-08-06T14:33:00+01:00"
lastmod = "2017-02-09T12:48:00+00:00"
primary_image = "https://res.cloudinary.com/schmopera/image/upload/v1545409169/media/webhook-uploads/1486644484887/2017-02-09---Coffee.jpg.jpg"
publishDate = "2016-08-07T18:40:00+01:00"
related_articles = ["articles/the-opera-workout.md","articles/5-times-handel-got-weird.md"]
short_description = "Equal in hilarity to the image of a monotone group of Catholics speeding through holy texts out of sheer rote/boredom are all the &quot;patter songs&quot; that steal the show in opera and music theatre. Here are some of our favourites:"
slug = "energy-boost-5-perky-patter-songs-"
title = "Energy boost: 5 perky patter songs "
+++

[Did you know](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patter_song) that the word "patter" comes from the Catholic "Pater Noster," which was apparently recited as fast as possible by the congregation? 

Equal in hilarity to the image of a monotone group of Catholics speeding through holy texts out of sheer rote/boredom are all the "patter songs" that steal the show in opera and music theatre. Here are some of our favourites:

## "À un dottor della mia sorte"

If you're looking for patter, Rossini's operas are a prime place to start. A Mount Everest of sorts for basses and bass-baritones, Don Bartolo's aria from *Il barbiere di Siviglia* demands mind-numbing speed that even Italians have to practice. We love Alfonso Antoniozzi's performance from La Scala in 1999. Big breath...and go!

<figure data-type="video">
<iframe width="854" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JADwPeMsn8E?start=195" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</figure>

## "My eyes are fully open to this awful situation"

If it's not Rossini, the stars of patter are Misters Gilbert & Sullivan. Sure, there's the whole "I am the very model of a modern Major General" bit, but patter seems to get even funnier when there are more people involved. So, check out the trio from G&S' *Ruddigore*, where you'll hear one of our favourite lines from a show: "This particularly rapid, unintelligible patter isn't generally heard, and if it is, it doesn't matter."

<figure data-type="video">
<iframe width="854" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zmBri9kvptE?start=6" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</figure>

## "Udite, udite, o rustici"

Back *in italiano*, Donizetti takes a cue from Rossini with Dulcamara's aria from *L'elisir d'amore*. Just like [Harold Hill in *The Music Man*](https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwi8iJnIgq3OAhXJAsAKHXsgCJcQyCkIITAA&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DLI_Oe-jtgdI&usg=AFQjCNGYi2ZqXQN-pXbJrnjg-AstSAkRxw&sig2=u0PZTYtcErc6uAp_4DiszA), the shameless salesman lures a crowd of small-townsfolk with  the (literally) unbelievable list of health benefits they can get from drinking his "elixir". (Spoiler: it's really just wine, arguably another cure-all.)

<figure data-type="video">
<iframe width="854" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EmGQQC0m1QU?start=180" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</figure>

## "(Not) Getting Married Today"

Sondheim, that master of words and all-too-real moments of humanity, also sees the comedic possibilities in patter songs. Brilliantly delivered by Carol Burnett, Sondheim captures a bride-to-be's pre-wedding panic:

<figure data-type="video">
<iframe width="854" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6_1pcqmhvLE?start=67" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</figure>

## "Look at me now" (cover by Karmin)

Just to give you all a taste of a 21st-century patter song, have a listen to this cover of Chris Brown's "Look at me now" (feat. Lil Wayne, Busta Rhymes) by Amy & Nick of [Karmin](http://www.karminmusic.com/). Four lungs, Amy has.

<figure data-type="video">
<iframe width="854" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/khCokQt--l4?start=75" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</figure>
