Theme and variation is a musical form where a composer presents a melody and repeats it with changes to add interest. Think of the theme as a plain cupcake—simple and familiar. The variations are like decorated cupcakes, each unique but still recognizable. Let’s explore "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" and see how your young composer is enjoying this creative process in their 3rd year of Let's Play Music!
The Poem
The lyrics of the popular lullaby "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" come from Jane Taylor’s 1806 poem "Star". Jane, along with her sister, was a pioneer in writing poetry specifically for children. Here is the full original poem:
A sing-along storybook is available by Jane Cabrera.
Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are!
Up above the world so high,
Like a diamond in the sky.
When the blazing sun is gone,
When he nothing shines upon,
Then you show your little light,
Twinkle, twinkle, all the night.
Then the traveller in the dark
Thanks you for your tiny sparks;
He could not see which way to go,
If you did not twinkle so.
In the dark blue sky you keep,
And often through my curtains peep,
For you never shut your eye
'Till the sun is in the sky.
As your bright and tiny spark
Lights the traveller in the dark,
Though I know not what you are,
Twinkle, twinkle, little star.
The Melody (and a Fun Game)
"Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" shares its melody with the 18th-century French song Ah! Vous dirai-je, Maman, and is also used for "The Alphabet Song" and "Baa, Baa, Black Sheep."
Try this silly singing game with your family: each singer or team picks one of these songs and sings it simultaneously. Although the lyrics are different, the melody stays the same, creating a funny mix!
For an extra challenge, sing in a round, starting a few measures apart but still with different lyrics. For the ultimate twist, everyone starts together, and when the leader claps, everyone switches to different lyrics.
Example:
SINGER 1: Twinkle, twinkle, little star (CLAP)
SINGER 2: Baa, Baa, black sheep, have you any wool?
SINGER 1: Q R S, T U V (CLAP)
SINGER 2: Up above the world so high
This game is perfect for long car rides and will have the whole family laughing! Simple, memorable melodies like this make a great starting point for creating variations.
Variations: Frosting on the Cake
Theme and Variation is a popular tool for composers to develop their skills, and Mozart's piece is a great example. After Mozart's 1781 variations, other composers, including Bach, Schulhoff, Dohnanyi, Liszt, Rinck, and Cardon, also created their own variations using the same melody.
Mozart's Toolbox of Variations
In the Purple Magic semester of Let's Play Music, we study Mozart's Variations on 'Ah vous dirai-je, Maan!', which includes twelve unique variations of the same tune.
Variation 1: The melody is played with added running notes, making it sound faster and busier. Try doubling or tripling the melody notes or adding scale steps to create a similar effect.
Variation 2: The right-hand melody is paired with running sixteenth notes in the left hand. You can add fun, moving notes to your left hand, like jumping between chord notes.
Variation 3: The melody is played in triplets, which fit three notes into one beat. Practice clapping "one-trip-let, two-trip-let" to understand this rhythm.
Variation 4: The left hand plays triplets, adding variety to the texture.
Variation 5: The right hand plays an off-beat rhythm, creating a playful, unexpected sound. Alternate rhythms between hands for a fun twist.
Variation 6: The melody is played as part of a chord in the right hand, while the left hand continues with running notes. Use chord inversions to ensure melody notes are on top.
Variation 7: The right-hand melody includes nearly complete scales, with the left hand playing notes in between.
Variation 8: The piece is played in C minor, with the left hand echoing the right hand. Change your piece to a minor key by adding flats and adjusting solfeggi.
Variation 9: The theme is played staccato for a crisp, detached sound.
Variation 10: The left hand carries the melody while the right hand adds embellishments or plays a different part.
Variation 11: The theme is played slowly (Adagio) in a singing style, adding a gentle, expressive touch.
Variation 12: The tempo is fast (Allegro), with lively rhythms and decoration, creating an exciting ending.
These variations show how Mozart added character to his music. Now, it's time for you and your child to try variations! Think of it like decorating cupcakes: the possibilities are endless once you know your tools. Variations can be made by changing the rhythm, melody, harmony, pitch, tempo, or dynamics of the tune.
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