Description
Many years before Lloyd Webber’s “Cats” I created my own setting for TS Eliot’s “Song of the Jellicles” (from Old Possum’s book of practical cats). Originally it was intended for choir, and then I went on to make instrumental duos and quartets from the bouncy kittenish theme. Each version follows the rhythms of the T S Eliot poem.
Jellicle Cats come out to-night
Jellicle Cats come one come all:
The Jellicle Moon is shining bright—
Jellicles come to the Jellicle Ball.
Jellicle Cats are black and white,
Jellicle Cats are rather small;
Jellicle Cats are merry and bright,
And pleasant to hear when they caterwaul.
Jellicle Cats have cheerful faces,
Jellicle Cats have bright black eyes;
They like to practise their airs and graces
And wait for the Jellicle Moon to rise.