Work Type: Nursery Rhyme
Description:
“Frère Jacques” is a traditional French nursery rhyme and song about a friar named Jacques who oversleeps and is urged to ring the morning bells. The song is typically sung in a round and has been translated into many languages, making it popular worldwide. Its melody has been incorporated into various classical compositions and cultural adaptations.
The origins of “Frère Jacques” are uncertain, with some attributing it to the 17th century, although its exact historical roots remain unclear. Despite this ambiguity, the song has endured as a beloved children’s tune, noted for its simple, repetitive melody and universal appeal.
Relationship to Sicilianos's Work:
One might recognise in “Little song out of tune” a parody of the well-known four-part “canon” based on the children’s melody “Frère Jacques,” or in “The Wolf and Little Red Riding Hood,” the feeling evoked by the pursuit of the little heroine by the wolf from the fairy tale.
Sicilianos, programme note in the concert programme of 26 January 1970. See: Christopoulou, Valia. Κατάλογος Έργων Γιώργου Σισιλιάνου [Yorgos Sicilianos Catalogue of Works] (Athens: Panas Music Papagrigoriou – Nakas, 2011) 71
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Work Page |
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1 |
 |
YSC62 |
Eight Children's Miniatures |
for Orchestra |
23A |
2222-4231, Timpani, Percussion (2 Performers: Cymbals, Triangle, Snare Drum, Bass Snare Drum without Snares, Bass Drum, Tamtam, Ratchet, Glockenspiel, Tubular Bells in C, E and F#), Harp, Celesta, Piano, Strings |
4. Little song out of tune |
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2 |
 |
YSC61 |
Eight Children's Miniatures |
for Piano |
23 |
Piano |
4. Little song out of tune |