Variations on “Ah! Vous dirai-je, Maman”

Variations on “Ah! Vous dirai-je, Maman” by Charles Dancla
Arranged for 3 C Flutes and Alto Flute by Elisabeth Weinzierl and Edmund Wachter
Includes score and parts

The French folk song “Ah! Vous dirai-je, Maman” is well known in many different countries and languages. In the German-speaking world, it is one of the best-known Christmas carols (Morgen kommt der Weihnachtsmann) and the English-speaking world knows this melody with one of the most popular nursery rhymes “Twinkle, twinkle, little star.” Not only Mozart, but also numerous other composers were inspired to write variations on this simple, catchy melody. The French violinist and composer Charles Dancla wrote a set of viruoso variations on the melody for four violins, with delightful extended harmonies and exuding the spirit of the 19th century. In the original key, the virtuoso passages are straightforward, and the cantilena elements are well suited to the lyrical qualities of the flute.