This is my take on the very famous song from the Gilbert and Sullivan opera The Pirates of Penzance, entitled "The Major-General's Song," or "I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major General." Sung by Major-General Stanley at his first entrance, towards the end of Act I, the character introduces himself by presenting his résumé and admitting to a few shortcomings. The song satirizes the idea of the "modern" educated British Army officer of the latter 19th century.

The song is replete with historical and cultural references, in which the Major-General describes his impressive and well-rounded education in non-military matters, but he says that his military knowledge has "only been brought down to the beginning of the century." The stage directions in the libretto state that at the end of each verse the Major-General is "bothered for a rhyme." Interpolated business occurs here, and in each case he finds a rhyme and finishes the verse with a flourish. (I used just four notes after a pause to represent this.)

The piece is difficult to perform because of the fast pace and tongue-twisting nature of the lyrics. As such, this was a fun song to do for me.

My arrangement is for:

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Sax section (soprano, alto, tenor, baritone)
Glockenspiel
Vibraphone
Piano

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Original music is public domain
This arrangement (C) me and me alone

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The Major-General's Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X--ngR15_JM (this version from the 1983 film adaptation)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxVekZRIWyg (funny parody by the 8-Bit Big Band referencing the game "Mass Effect 2;" this is entitled "I Am the Very Model of a Scientist Salarian")