DoDoSolSolLaLaSol: Theme and Variations

The 2020 Korean Drama DoDoSolSolLaLaSol takes its name from, and makes substantial use of, the tune otherwise known as “Ah, vous dirai-je, Maman,” the French Folk Song whose tune Mozart used in his twelve variations, and in English as “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.” The text of “Ah, vous dirai-je, Maman,” focuses on the relationship between parent and child, which is one of the thematic applications of the music in the Korean drama. However, the French children’s song’s tune is taken from an earlier French song intended for adults, “La Confidence Naïve,” which is about a romantic relationship. This is another thematic application to this music in the K-drama. The English words, “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star,” also become a plot element—the stars themselves as well as the “wondering who you are” part of the text are important in telling the story. This K-drama’s plot is thoroughly bound up in the music and the words of both the French and English versions of the song. In the drama’s 16 episodes, at least 20 variations of the tune are heard, not including Mozart’s variations, the performance of which also takes place in the drama.