The waves are roaring outside, but at home, in a small stony cottage, there’s no wind and all is well in mummy’s arms. The small Yannick – or Dewi or Marzhin, who knows – will grow up one day and get used to being lulled to sleep by the sway of a ship’s deck, but these days, he can still slumber in a dry and warm room, listening to a swinging song.
Lullabies are known by children from all over the world, and when you listen to them carefully, you’ll realise how similar they all are – usually quiet and peaceful, handed down over generations. Yet even such a lullaby can be interpreted in many ways, so that it sounds quite merry in the end.
Just like Toutouig, played on an accordion. It isn’t difficult, and if you keep the “lullabyish” rhythm, you can learn it in a while. This gives you an opportunity to focus all the more on the control of the bellows, play with all your heart, sway with the melody, or accompany the singing quietly…
instructional recording 90 bpm
Toutouig – instructional recording – 90 bpm
Toutouig la la, va mabig, toutouig la la Toutouig la la… En deiz all e ouele kalzik Toutouig la la, ‘ta paourig Toutouig la la, bihanig Toutouig la la, rozennig Da nijal d’an neñv, va aelig free English translation: Sleep , my little child, sleep Sleep… Formerly, she wept a lot Sleep, my poor little one, Sleep, my wee one Sleep, my little rose To fly to heavens, my little angel … and when you can play Toutouig well enough, there are – as always – a plenty of possibilities how to develop it further, for example with variations for the right hand. You can find inspiration in the following video: And finally, to do justice the traditional approach to lullabies, you can listen to this beautiful version by the famous Breton singer Annie Ebrel – especially if you’re reading this article late in the evening. Good night! Toutouig – sung by Annie Ebrel article and scores | Háta Kreisinger Komňacká
Da vamm a zo amañ, koantig
Ouzh da luskellat, mignonig
Da vamm a zo amañ, oanig
Dit-te o kanañ he sonig
Hag hiziv e c’hoarzh da vammig
Poent eo serrañ da lagadig
Ret eo diskuizhañ da bennig
Da zivjod war va c’halonig
Na zispleg ket da askellig
Your mommy’s here, my little squirrel
By your crib, my little pretty
Your mommy’s here, my little lamb
Singing her little song to you.
But today, your mommy laughs
Time’s come to close your little eyes
You must rest your little head
Your cheeks on my little heart
Don’t spread your little wings.
instructional recording | Jindra Kelíšek
published on 26/02/2014