The Evolution of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star: From Its Origins to Modern Times
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, a beloved nursery rhyme and lullaby, has a rich and intriguing history. This article delves into the original version of the song, its composers, and its journey from France to England, where it evolved into the version we know and love today.
The Original Version and Its Composers
The story of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star begins with a French children's song that was first seen in print in 1761. However, the current lyrical version of the song didn't exist until much later. In the 1770s, a poem titled "Ah! Vous dirai-je, Maman" was set to a tune that later became the melody for Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. This poem was a melodramatic love piece that predates the lyrics we associate with the song today.
Mozart's Variation
Notably, it was Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart who composed his Variations on "Ah! Vous dirai-je, Maman" in 1781-2. While many believe that Mozart created the tune, he actually used it as a basis for his own musical composition. Mozart's variations, which are still celebrated in music history, popularized the tune and contributed to its enduring legacy.
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star in English
The English lyrics we commonly sing today were written in the early 19th century. The rhyme was originally authored by Jane Taylor, an English author and poet. In 1806, Jane and her sister Ann published a collection of poems for children titled "Rhymes for the Nursery." Jane wrote the poem "The Star," which is the basis for the current lyrics of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. Here are the original lyrics:
Twinkle twinkle little star,
How I wonder what you are! Up above the world so high,
Like a diamond in the sky.
Twinkle twinkle little star,
How I wonder what you are!
While the poem has five stanzas, the first stanza is the most commonly sung, reflecting its enduring simplicity and charm.
The Complete Original Version
Despite the famous first stanza, the complete original version of the poem is much longer. Here are the full lyrics:
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.
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.
How I wonder what you are! 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.
Twinkle twinkle little star,
How I wonder what you are!
Modern Popularity and Application
Today, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star is a staple in nurseries and classrooms around the world. The simplicity of the lyrics and melody makes it an excellent tool for teaching and for engaging young children. The song is often used in educational settings to help children learn about the night sky, shapes, and even mathematical concepts through its modifications and variations.
While the song has undergone various adaptations over the years, the essence of its message remains the same: to inspire wonder and curiosity in the world around us. Whether sung in its complete form or just the first stanza, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star continues to captivate and enchant.