Ah Vous dirai-je maman (414.01)

Ah Vous dirai-je maman (414.01) (It is likely that the Variations on Ah Vous Dirai-je maman were written by Mozart during his stay in Paris in 1778. The theme, known in English speaking countries as Twinkle, Twikle, Little Star, first appeared in a French publication in 1761. By the 1770s it had become a favourite theme for variations. Piano variations were a highly popular form and Mozarts numerous sets were frequently played well into the 19th Century. This set contains 12 variations after a very simple statement of the theme. Performance note: A piccolo trumpet is required for the 1st trumpet part and a flugel for the 4th. Play with gentle classical style throughout. The lower instruments, in particular, must beware of playing too heavily in the tutti semiquaver passages. Keep it light and elegant. However, the music will benefit from some gentle, tasteful teasing. All expression markings and tempo suggestions are editorial so may be altered at the players discretion. They are intended as a starting point for discussion or a fall-back for when rehearsal time is limited. If a shorter version of the piece is required, some variations may be cut and the second repeats of the variations may be omitted.)