Only a few piano works have become as universally popular as this theme with twelve variations. The melody—known today to many as “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”—gained widespread popularity soon after Mozart’s death, as shown by the numerous handwritten copies and early printed editions that circulated at the time.

Although little is known with certainty about the work’s origins, scholars can now confidently date “Ah, vous dirai-je, Maman” à 1781. During this period, Mozart was establishing himself in Vienna as a pianist and sought-after piano teacher. These variations not only display his wit and inventiveness but also serve as excellent pedagogical material, which explains their lasting presence in piano teaching.

This edition has been completely revised and includes an informative preface by the Mozart specialist Ulrich Konrad.

A facsimile of Mozart’s original manuscript is also available from Henle (HN 3213).