Preface
One of my early childhood memories is seeing this collection of Dutch children's songs upon our piano at home. The evening family ritual always included a time for sitting together on the piano stool and singing with my brothers and little sister, our feet swinging and dangling above the floor. Each of us had his favourites, and I am sure that part of our enthusiasm was due not only to the delightful, simple melodies, but also to the beguiling pictures that we turned to again and again in this lovely book. Polly Perkin was always demanded as the final processional when we all marched upstairs to bed, holding on to the bathrobe sash of the child in front and singing lustily!
It is fascinating to discover that these traditional tunes from the Netherlands have popular variants in other countries. If the gentle Baby Song is ‘bounced’ a bit more, we recognize it as Trompe ton pain, Marie from France, or our own Dip your bread in the gravy! It would be difficult to find the original of the tune to Weekdays and Sundays. France would claim it as Ah! vous dirai-je, maman, which the Austrian Mozart knew intimately. Our children use it for Baa, baa, black sheep, or for Twinkle, twinkle little star; and the English alphabet is still rhythmically sung to this same tune.
Our cherished family copy of this illustrated book has been carefully handed on to another generation of singing youngsters; and I have, on many occasions, introduced these songs to young boys and girls in the English-speaking world, who quickly learn and enjoy them. The first recording I made of most of the collection proved to be so popular that a new disc has just recently been released by HMV, for which instruments have been included to accompany the songs. Families, and schools for young children, are fortunate in having this book, so long out of print, available once again. The translations are gay, the tasteful piano accompaniments are easy to play, and the enchanting pastel illustrations of Willebeek Le Mair fit perfectly the humour and charm of these little songs. I know of no book of songs more appropriate for the very youngest children, or one to delight them more than this.
John Longstaff
These songs have been recorded on HMV labels CSD 1470 (stereo) and CLP 1604 (mono), SONGS FOR SINGING CHILDREN, sung by John Longstaff, baritone.
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