Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Mozart, and Lollies

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This morning, on a whimsical (word choice intentional), I put on a “Children’s Classic Favourites” CD while the children were playing a tangible version of Angry Birds (wooden blocks, and mighty bean-like toys that looks like pigs and birds).

The Boy was disgusted.  “I don’t want to listen to *your* music,” he complained.

I just shrugged. He’s been so grouchy lately (roll on School Year Start!!) that I took that with a grain of salt.

He grumbled under his breath right through Fur Elise.  The next song, however, caught his attention.

“Awww Mum, that’s just ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,” he said, wrinkling his nose.

“It isn’t,” I countered.  “It’s called ‘variations on Ah, dirai-je, Maman.’ By a famous composer named Mozart.”

Suddenly I had his full attention.  “That’s French,” he observed. “What does it mean?”

So I told him. (For the translation, see the link above for “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.”)

“It’s about eating lollies? That’s mean!” **

“Quite.” I agreed.

“And you know what else, Mum?  It’s the same song as ABCD and Baa Baa Black Sheep, too.”

“You’re absolutely correct.”

Then the music switched to the Alla Turca Rondo by Mozart.

“Mum?  This is my favourite song.”

And bliss. No more complaining. Just some lovely music.

 

** “Mean” in NZ primary school vernacular, means the same as “cool” “sweet” “awesome” etc.

 

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