“Pat-a-pan,” a captivating and enchanting Christmas carol with a rich history, resonates with the joyous spirit of the holiday season. This charming melody, originating from the picturesque regions of Burgundy in France, was penned by the talented Bernard de La Monnoye in the early 18th century. Its original title, “Guillô, Pran Ton Tamborin” (“Willie, Bring Your Little Drum” or “Willie, Take Your Little Drum”), perfectly encapsulates its festive and rhythmic essence.
Interestingly, “Pat-a-pan” shares a delightful connection with a popular children’s game played across continents, from the cobblestone streets of Europe to the vibrant communities of South America and the ancient lands of Asia. The game, believed to have ancient roots, has evolved over centuries, incorporating a blend of tag and dance, and in some traditions, involves chanting “pat-a-pan” in a merry whirl of motion, often accompanied by the rhythmic patting on the back.
The musical heartbeat of “Pat-a-pan” lies in its simple yet evocative instrumentation. It vividly portrays the story of the nativity, with shepherds joyfully celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. The lyrics and melody bring to life the rustic charm of shepherds playing their humble flutes and drums in a pastoral scene, with the onomatopoeic “patapan” mimicking the drum’s beat and the lyrical “tu-re-lu-re-lu” echoing the whimsical sound of flutes.
This delightful carol, similar in theme to “The Little Drummer Boy” with its iconic “pa-rum-pa-pum-pum” chorus, is a testament to the universal language of music in celebrating significant moments. “Pat-a-pan,” with its playful rhythm and heartwarming narrative, continues to be a beloved treasure in the tapestry of Christmas music, enchanting listeners with its timeless appeal and bringing the joyous spirit of the season to life.
English:
Willie, bring your little drum;
Robin, bring your flute and come;
And be merry while you play,
Tu-re-lu-re-lu,
Pat-a-pat-a-pan,
Come be merry while you play,
On this joyous Holiday!
When the men of olden days
To the King of Kings gave praise,
On the fife and drum did play,
Tu-re-lu-re-lu,
Pat-a-pat-a-pan,
On the fife and drum did play,S
o their hearts were glad and gay!
God and man today become
More in tune than fife and drum,
So be merry while you play,
Tu-re-lu-re-lu,
Pat-a-pat-a-pan,
So be merry while you play,
Sing and dance this Christmas Day!
French:
Guillaume, prends ton tambourin,
Toi, prends ta flûte, Robin;
Au son de ces instruments,
Turelurelu, patapatapan,
Au son de ces instruments,
Je dirai Noël gaîment.
C’était la mode autrefois,
De louer le Roi des rois,
Au son de ces instruments,
Turelurelu, patapatapan,
Au son de ces instruments,
Il nous en faut faire autant.
L’homme et Dieu sont plus d’accord,
Que la flûte et le tambour;
Au son de ces instruments,
Turelurelu, patapatapan,
Au son de ces instruments,
Chantons, dansons, sautons en!
One of my favorites is Mannheim Steamroller
And, I always love the Mormon Tabernacle Bells and Orchestra
New to me this year, the Rocky Mountain Wind Symphony
