Folk

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

• johannes liu
• Music , Folk

Introduction “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” is one of the most recognizable melodies in the world, beloved by children and adults alike. The tune originated from the French folk song “Ah vous dirai-je, Maman” (Ah, I shall tell you, Mother), which dates back to the 18th century. The English lyrics were written by Jane Taylor in 1806 as part of a collection of poems for children, and they were set to this charming French melody. This simple yet beautiful tune has transcended its origins as a nursery rhyme to become the foundation for sophisticated classical compositions, most notably Mozart’s Variations K. 265. The melody’s pentatonic scale structure and clear, memorable phrases make it ideal for early music education, while its inherent musicality has inspired countless arrangements and adaptations across genres, from classical to jazz to contemporary popular music.