<P> `` I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major - General '' ( often referred to as the `` Major - General 's Song '' or `` Modern Major - General 's Song '' ) is a patter song from Gilbert and Sullivan 's 1879 comic opera The Pirates of Penzance . It is perhaps the most famous song in Gilbert and Sullivan 's operas . It is sung by Major General Stanley at his first entrance , towards the end of Act I . The song satirises the idea of the `` modern '' educated British Army officer of the latter 19th century . It is one of the most difficult patter songs to perform , due to the fast pace and tongue - twisting nature of the lyrics . </P>
<P> `` I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major - General '' ( often referred to as the `` Major - General 's Song '' or `` Modern Major - General 's Song '' ) is a patter song from Gilbert and Sullivan 's 1879 comic opera The Pirates of Penzance . It is perhaps the most famous song in Gilbert and Sullivan 's operas . It is sung by Major General Stanley at his first entrance , towards the end of Act I . The song satirises the idea of the `` modern '' educated British Army officer of the latter 19th century . It is one of the most difficult patter songs to perform , due to the fast pace and tongue - twisting nature of the lyrics . </P>
major general song from the pirates of penzance
major general song from the pirates of penzance
`` I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major - General ''
`` I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major - General ''