Patapan is a French Christmas song that was written by Bernard de La Monnoye, a lawyer, poet, and critic who lived from 1641 to 1728. The song’s original Burgundian title is "Guillô, Pran Ton Tamborin" which translates to "Willie, Bring Your Little Drum." It was published in 1720 in his book Noël bourguignons. The poem makes reference to playing a fife and drum, and the song is usually played at a spirited tempo, with a lively feel. Even though it is one of the few popular Christmas carols that is in a minor key, it is an uplifting, spritely melody. Arrangements often feature flute players, and one of the most notable recordings of Patapan is by James Galway.
Select the song image below for a printable PDF of Patapan. Scroll down for more versions of the carol in several other keys. The carol is also available in arrangements for all woodwind, brass, strings, and recorders.
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Patapan sheet music, printable PDF
Play-Along arrangements of Patapan. These pages have versions of the song for band and string instruments for you to play with other musicians:
Patapan for winds and brass
Patapan for strings
Patapan for recorder
More keys! Select a link below for a printable PDF of Patapan in any of the following keys, for treble, bass, and alto clef.
In the key of A
In the key of B
In the key of C
In the key of D
In the key of E
In the key of F sharp
In the key of G
In the key of A
In the key of B
In the key of C
In the key of D
In the key of E
In the key of F sharp
In the key of G
In the key of A
In the key of B
In the key of C
In the key of D
In the key of E
In the key of F sharp
In the key of G
Christmas Music Books • Two Happy Bears • Days Till Christmas • Newsletter
Christmas music for selected instruments
Select an image below to view and print Christmas songs written for each instrument.
Violin
Viola
Cello
Bass
Flute
Oboe
Clarinet
Bassoon
Alto Saxophone
Tenor Saxophone
Trumpet
Trombone
French Horn
Tuba
Recorder
Piano
Guitar
Lyrics
Piano Accompaniments
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Table of Contents for the Christmas Song Lead Sheets:
Angels We Have Heard on High
Auld Lang Syne
Away In a Manger
Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella
Deck the Hall
Ding Dong! Merrily on High
The First Noel
God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
Good Christian Men, Rejoice
Good King Wenceslas
Hark! the Herald Angels Sing
Here We Come A-Wassailing
The Holly and the Ivy
I Saw Three Ships
In Dulci Jubilo
In the Bleak Midwinter
It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
Jingle Bells (short easy version)
Jingle Bells (full version)
Jolly Old St. Nicholas
Joy to the World
O Christmas Tree
O Come All Ye Faithful
O Come, O Come Emmanuel
O Holy Night
O Little Town of Bethlehem
Patapan
Quelle Est Cette Odeur Agréable
Silent Night
Toyland
The Twelve Days of Christmas
Up on the Housetop
We Three Kings
We Wish You a Merry Christmas
What Child Is This?
More Music and Educational Materials by Kyle Coughlin:
Learn about rhythm and improve your skills: Rhythm-In-Music.com
Free online metronomes that speak the beat: MusicAllTheTime.com
Sleigh Bell Metronome
Free blank sheet music paper: Music-Paper.com
Clarinet fingering charts and instruction: TheClarinet.net
Kyle Coughlin’s Publications