“Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,” Theme and Variations
Shinichi Suzuki (1898–1998)
“Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” originated as the excerpted final two stanzas from English poet Jane Taylor’s“The Star” (1806), which were set to “Ah! vous dirai-je, Maman”, a French melody that first appeared in 1761. Many composers have written variations on the theme, most notably Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
Andantino
Shinichi Suzuki (1898–1998)
Andantino is an Italian musical term which translates roughly as slightly faster than a walking pace. The title of this piece refers to the tempo intended by composer Shinichi Suzuki. Among other things, the piece is intended to help students learn how to do up bow accents.
Sonatas for Organ and Cembalo No. 12: V. Gavotta
“Padre” Giovanni Battista Martini (1706–1774)
A gavotte is a French folk dance from the 16th century featuring lines of dancers holding hands. It’s known for beginning with two pick-up notes, which displaces the beginning. This piece was written by Giovanni Battista “Padre” Martini during the Baroque period for viola da gamba (a cello-like instrument).
Allegretto
Shinichi Suzuki (1898–1998)
Allegretto is an Italian musical term which translates roughly as moderately fast, the tempo intended by composer Shinichi Suzuki. This piece helps students learn about accents and practice playing on the G string. It also introduces the concept of a ritardando, which indicates that students should slow down.
Waltzes for Pinao with Four Hands No. 15
Johannes Brahms (1833–1897)
The waltz originated in 16th century Germany but reached popularity in the 18th century. The dance is marked by its twirling, turning motion and by the 19th century, to “waltz” meant to rotate while dancing, instead of referring to a specific dance set to a 3/4 beat.
Additional performances
Judas Maccabaeus, HWV 63, Act 3, No. 5: “See, the conqu’ring hero comes!”
George Frideric Handel (1685–1759)
Theme from Le Streghe (“Witches’ Dance”)
Niccolò Paganini (1782–1840)
Kate Kulzick, Violin 