Danse Mon Moine – by Mark Sirett

This is a classic Acadian/Québecois Folk-Song and Dr. Sirett makes it really SPIN. The text of this song is based on a game of words. In the vernacular of colonial Quebec, the name “Moine /Monk” is given to a small toy called in France: “German Top / toupie d’Allemagne”. Apparently, the “Moine/Monk” is actually a top (toupie) that the child puts into a spin with a cord and as it spins, the child tries to make the top dance by whipping it lightly with the cord.” So this explains the metaphor of referring to the toy top as a monk, and then singing this song which basically tells the top (Monk) that if it dances, the child will give it a list of things that are important to a monk.

Sheet Music Available at Cypress Choral Music

https://cypresschoral.com/composers/mark-sirett/danse-mon-moine/