If I was to say to you “Duetto Buffo Di Due Gatti” what would you be thinking of? Believe it or not, this is the title of an amazing piece of classical music. The title literally translate to the English, “Humorous Duet for Two Cats” and when heard, that is exactly what it is. This magical piece is usually performed by two sopranos, and most choirs will use the piece as an encore to finish a concert with a bit of humor. It has also been performed by a soprano and a tenor, or soprano and a bass, which give it an entirely different feel than the two soprano’s version.
This fascinating musical composition has been credited to Gioachino Rossini, but it was not actually written by him. In fact it is a compilation of three different pieces. The first part is derived from the “Katte-Cavantine” by the little known Dutch composer C.E.F. Weyse. The middle section comes from part of the duet “Otello” by Rossini, and the final act is from the same opera, but is from the aria “Ah, Come Mai Non Senti”. So it certainly is a mish-mash of compositions that works remarkably well.
The clip below features a choir of young boys performing the comedic piece, commonly known as the “Meow” song. Sadly it does not mention who the choir is, or when and where it was performed, but it looks like it could be a few years old. The most remarkable thing about the performance is the ability the two young sopranos have to keep a straight face while singing this difficult piece. Even when the audience has a giggle, the two ever-so-professional-performers do not flinch, although there are a couple of times you think that they are going to lose it.
For those people who have been part of a choir, be it in school or in later life, you will know just how hard you have to rehearse to get everything just right. As with most choirs, the choir-master usually has the last say in what pieces will be performed, but I can’t help but think that the two young singers featured in this clip may have had something to do with the selection of the Meow song as part of their show. It is quite an amazing clip to watch, as they give 110% to delivering a faultless version of a timeless piece of inspirational music.
Now I have to be perfectly honest with you, I had never heard of the Meow song before viewing this clip, but I have since spent some time hunting YouTube for any other versions that are available to us curious-clip-chasers. Click on the link below and enjoy the wonderful performance of a classic, delivered without fault.