Katy Did

William A. Ogden’s SATB partsong Katy Did opens with a playful imitation of the insect’s song, quickly establishing a light and cheerful mood. The SATB voices engage in a lively call-and-response, mirroring the text’s conversational and slightly mischievous tone. The English lyrics describe the elusive ‘Katy’ insect whose repeated claims of having done something, only to deny it, create a sense of gentle teasing. The music reflects this by alternating between confident assertions and hesitant questions, with the different voice parts often overlapping and interjecting. It’s a delightful and engaging piece, ideal for a choir looking for a charming secular work that showcases clear diction and rhythmic vitality.