ERIC Leaver, shame on you! The song you quoted in 'Looking Back' (LET, January 8), is one of the best known choruses from the Gilbert and Sullivan classic 'The Gondoliers.' And once upon a time, school choirs used to learn -- and sing -- such gems.
Luckily, the G and S tradition in Blackburn is alive and well. The local society produces a show every year in February. (This year 'Patience,' free plug). But I digress. This answer may be sung to the same melody as the lines in question:
Oh, Eric do not despair, (tra la, tra la, tra la, la la la etc)
We can put a name to that air! (tra la, tra la, tra la etc, etc)
The 'lib' is by Gilbert, the music by Sullivan,
Oh what a treat for the ears (tra la!)
It's sung very fast, exercising the lips and tongue,
And it's from 'The Gondoliers'!
Tra la la la la la la la la (etc, etc, etc).
ANNE RIGBY (Press and publicity officer, Blackburn Gilbert and Sullivan Society), Prospect Avenue, Darwen.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article