“Birdsong Day 2 Seven Days Walking” by Ludovico Einaudi, performed by and courtesy of Robert Hulse:
Courtesy of Fox Weather:
I am republishing this post because some readers asked me to tell them about Mozart’s pet starling, and the starling’s ability to mimic everything. In my garden, the phone would ring in the bushes when they wanted something. One of my neighbours had a little dog that would yap in a crescendo of barks that sounded almost like laughter. This amused the starlings and they would go on yapping in higher and higher shrills until the bemused dog stopped barking, not sure what was going on.
Example of the starlings’ talents (courtesy of Ankes World):
I hope you will find this factual story both interesting and entertaining. Moreover, the greatest effect on heart rate lowering has been observed from listening to Mozart’s music, in addition to lower blood pressure, and no stress, pain or anxiety. Students listening to Mozart’s music have also performed much better during exams.
“Sonata for 2 Pianos in D Major, K. 448: II. Andante” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, performed by Martha Argeric and Gabriele Baldocci:
Sometimes a nature book is published that is destined to become a classic. I am convinced that Lyanda Lynn Haupt’s ‘Mozart’s Starling is such a book. On the book’s cover there is an apt description of the content: “In ‘Mozart’s Starling’, Haupt explores the unlikely and remarkable bond between one of history’s most cherished composers and one of Earth’s most common birds. A blend of natural history, biography, and memoir, ‘Mozart’s Starling’ is a tour de force that awakens a surprising new awareness of our place in the world.”
To understand Mozart’s friendship with the starling who inspired some of his music, the author brought up a tiny fledgling to become a member of her family. The grown-up starling, a girl called Carmen, proved to be an excellent and inspiring tutor. As the species are well-known for their great mimicry ability, I could only marvel at Mozart’s delight when his starling pet would whistle whole parts of his Piano Concerto no.17 in G major. He wrote in his pocket notebook his version of the tune and underneath also the starling’s version. His following comment on the starling’s interpretation was – Das war schon! That was wonderful!, writes Haupt.
The starling’s version is shown below and simulated in the audio clip underneath; click on the ‘Play’ arrow.
Mozart’s actual composition is shown below and played in the audio clip underneath; click on the ‘Play’ arrow.
Mozart’s favourite place for writing his music was in the open garden with his pet starling on his shoulder, both whistling the notes from his compositions.
Lang Lang explains and plays an excerpt from the Violin Concerto No 17 in G Major:
The inspiration for the book “Mozart’s Starling”:
I can relate to this extraordinary tale as I have looked after a large group of starlings that descended on my garden for many years. As my garden companions, they never disappointed as they were amusing and entertaining. Their rendition of a neighbour’s yapping little dog would make me laugh as much as their attempts at faithful copying of my laborious typing efforts, including my start-stop breaks to correct mistakes. Of course, that was in the days when the typewriter was still my reluctant best friend. Today I am at the mercy of the computer whose logic often eludes me, but as my study is now in a different part of the house and away from the back garden, the starlings have to look elsewhere for their amusement.
Courtesy of Sarah Tidwell:
Several years ago, during the fledgling season, my garden was teeming as usual with birds of many species. The window in the kitchen was always open, and one morning I had a young visitor, a baby starling. His intelligence marked him out since despite such a young age and very little experience in the ways of the world outside his nest, he cleverly worked out that instead of sparring with other youngsters for food, he could dine in style on top of the tall fridge that stood close to the open window. And he was right, as on seeing him perched there, waiting, I had to run at the double, filling the large saucer with the best titbits. Placed on top of the fridge, the saucer was soon in need of refilling. For the next two and half months, the young starling would arrive each morning and feed all day long. It was obvious that we had this informal but fully binding understanding; it meant that I would serve good food and he would eat it. A very satisfying arrangement for both of us.
Courtesy of Sarah Tidwell:
What followed was even more wonderful. Each August, after the starlings were fully grown up, their flock departed for their annual ‘holiday’. My young friend left but not for long. The small group of youngsters, led by my protegé, came back and settled in my garden for good. The leader arrived first thing in the early morning to check that I was here, and the food was ready. Only then would he bring the rest of the group down. It looked that this routine would continue as long as I was alive, and I loved to see each spring the new babies being fed close to the kitchen, all trusting that this was their home. Unfortunately, I am not musically gifted, and I could only imagine the joy of both Mozart and his pet starling, whistling tunes to each other, and even ‘working’ together; the composer at his piano or playing a violin, and the starling on his shoulder, whistling approval or ‘corrections’ to the new composition.
What I find most exciting is the constant discovery of exciting and new facts in all nature books, and there are many. Some written by the naturalists, others by literary gifted academics like the palaeontologist Richard Fortey, whose iconic work ‘Life’ is so absorbing in fascinating details that I could not put it down. If it wasn’t for this book, I would not have known that the white sandy beaches of the South Seas are in fact fish poo as local parrotfish feed on algae and bits of coral, which they grind to a fine powder with their prominent teeth. The expelled ‘white dust’ is washed out by the sea’s waves and deposited on the shore to become, over time, layer upon layer of white sand, which we admire so much.
The book ‘Silent Spring’ by Rachel Carson helped to change global policy on using poisonous pesticides, highlighting their adverse effect on environment and our health. As knowledge is power, I will keep on reading as many books about the natural world as I can, and wonder how complex, innately diverse and fascinating is our world, and why we are so careless about its future.
“Song Of The Birds” (arr. Pablo Casals), performed by Sheku Kanneh-Mason:
And perhaps, we should first put right all the ecological disasters we have caused ourselves, before venturing to do the same on Mars?
“Duettino Sull’aria” from “The Marriage of Figaro” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, performed by Edith Mathis and Gundula Janowitz (courtesy of slickerflicker):
Courtesy of Marco Valk Nature & Wildlife Films:
naturetails 
you are an animal whisperer! what a lovely gift, to trust & open yourself to the natural world🌞🌳🌺 a wonderful post! thanks🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🌹🌹
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely fascinating information, Joanna. Superbly laid out with lots of appropriate videos.
LikeLike
Thank you so much, J, for your wonderful comments! I cannot find words to tell you how much your kindness means to me!
Joanna xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
i simply observe the evidence of your life that you share here❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, dear Pat, for your wonderful comments! Please, do listen to the duet from The Marriage of Figaro, it will make your day!
Joanna x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Our words are deeply appreciated, J!
Joanna xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Joanna, for this fascinating post about starlings. As a child my bedroom was at the top of a 3 storey house and starlings woke me every morning with their chattering. I admit that I’d not heard a starling ‘purring’ as in one of your clips, but have always known them to be great choristers! Have a song-filled week 🎶. We’re off now for a few days by the sea, Ashley 🤗💌🙋♂️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Ashley, for your beautiful comments! Your kind words are greatly appreciated! Good luck with your few days by the sea!
Joanna
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ll be perusing this slowly with my afternoon tea, thank you Joanna!💓
LikeLike
Thank you, Cindy! Please don’t miss the duet from The Marriage of Figaro!
Joanna x
LikeLike
I did listen to a bit of it. Lovely.
LikeLike
Thank you, Pat, it was written by the hand of an angel as reflected by the prisoners in the famous film The Shawshank Redemption!
Joanna
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can see how birdsong would inspire musical creativity (unless it was a crow). We love the birdsong on our forest walks and in our back yards. Alas, in a few more months, the number and variety of birds will be reduced. A great story about your starling Joanna. We do not have these birds in our area, but I have often seen them during our trips to Vancouver. Have a wonderful weekend. Allan
LikeLike
Thank you, Allan, for your beautiful comments! Living with nature as I do, is wonderful to my and everybody’s well-being! It makes a great impact on people perception of the world and bring peace and happiness!
Joanna
LikeLiked by 1 person
What’s not to love about Starlings? They are amazing and so very creative.
LikeLike
Great article. I hadn’t know about the “collaborations” between Mozart and his pet. Very amazing and very charming.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Neil, for your lovely comments! No doubt, you know the famous film “The Shawshank Redemption” and in the fascinating part the prisoners are astonished to listen to Mozart’s duet from The Marriage of Figaro, I included this duet as it is so beautiful, and you will like this reminder of the film.
Thank you for your time, Neil, much appreciated!
Joanna
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Kenne, for your beautiful comments! My thoughts exactly!
Joanna
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh wow Joanna, this is absolutely fascinating:
“the greatest effect on heart rate lowering has been observed from listening to Mozart’s music, in addition to lower blood pressure, and no stress, pain or anxiety. Students listening to Mozart’s music have also performed much better during exams.”
I also love “Song Of The Birds” performed by Sheku Kanneh-Mason. So passionate and tranquil. Thanks a million for sharing this repost my friend. Have a wonderful weekend Joanna. 🥰💖😍
LikeLike
Thank you, Kym, for your wonderful comments! Please, don’t miss the duet from Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro, as it is so beautiful, and it was featured in the famous film The Shawshank Redemption, when prisoners are suddenly made to listen to this aria. Thank you for your time!
Joanna x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad you republished this. Though the words star and starling are unrelated, a starling was a star in Mozart’s household.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Steve, for your wonderful comment! It was partly with you in mind that I republished. In my household, starliing is a star too!
Joanna
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for re-posting this wonderful piece, Joanna. As I wrote earlier, I do not seek to understand the mysteries of our astonishing world but my gut tells me that birds have a connection to, I suppose you would call it the Divine, the Intelligence or the Power that drives all things natural and I have always believed that the great composers like Mozart got their inspiration through a spiritual connection. So it is no surprise to me that Mozart had a pet starling. As always, you have put together a wonderful collection of information, images, videos and such lovely music. It is such a treat to read your posts. And I could watch starling murmurations for hours. I have only ever seen them on film. In actuality I would be overwhelmed! In the best way.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I did listen to that piece Joanna, and it was hauntingly beautiful. 💐 Music certainly soothes the savage beast as they say. Thanks for sharing! 🥰🎶😘💖😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
You never cease to amaze me Joanna with your depth of knowledge and care for the animal kingdom. I never saw this post the first time round so I’m especially glad that you’ve re-posted it. I always thought that starlings were clever birds and now you’ve proved it. When I was growing up as a young boy they were considered a bit of a pest as they were everywhere and not timid like some birds, but now that they’re not so common they’ve taken on a new reverence, especially where murmurations are concerned. This has to be one of nature’s most fantastic spectacles. Thanks for yet another fabulous post Joanna. Roll on the next one.
LikeLike
Thank you so much, Malc, for your wonderfully interesting comments! I am glad that you like all the stories about Starlings’ abilities but what about Mozart, the most amazing composer that ever lived?
Joanna
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Kym, for your kind reply! It made me happy that you like Mozart, the creator that I love!
Joanna x
LikeLiked by 2 people
That goes without saying Joanna x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Malc! We always agree on important things!
Joanna x
LikeLiked by 2 people
Absolutely wonderful information, Joanna. The “collaborations” between Mozart and his starling are truly amazing and fascinating.
As always your article is superbly structured with so many fabulous videos
Thank you so much for sharing this repost, my friend.
Have a wonderful weekend 🥰
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, dear Luisa, for your beautiful comments! I have always loved Mozart most out of all composers, and starlings are my much loved birds, so to write about both was easy. Thank you, Luisa again for your time!
Joanna x
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Joanna, for republishing this remarkable post about Mozart and his pet starling. The story is truly touching and inspiring.
The positive effects of music on animals are well-documented. For example, cows exposed to music have been shown to produce more milk. As you mentioned, listening to Mozart’s music has been linked to reduced heart rates and blood pressure.
The extraordinary relationship between Mozart and his starling led to a unique collaboration, evident in the audio clips that showcase both Mozart’s composition and the starling’s version. It’s fascinating how inspiration can come from such unexpected sources.
The starling’s ability to mimic sounds brings back memories of my childhood parrots, who used to imitate the voices of my mother and our maid. However, your connection with a young starling, and later with a group of them, is truly delightful.
The story about the white sandy beaches of the South Seas is intriguing. I agree that knowledge is power, and books serve as windows to this power. I also enjoyed your videos, particularly “The Marriage of Figaro” and “Song of the Birds.” Thank you again, Joanna, for sharing this wonderful post.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Kaushal, for your wonderfully insightful comments! I am always waiting to read your reflections on my posts and you never disappoint! I am more than happy that you like Mozart as I love his music so much! Your words of appreciation mean more than I can say, Kaushal! Thank you!
Joanna
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for your wonderful reply, dear Joanna 🙏🙏🙏
Like you, I also love Mozart very much
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, dear Luisa, for your beautiful comments! As always, I appreciate your words greatly!
Joanna xxx
LikeLiked by 2 people
🙏💞🙏
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s always a pleasure to read your posts, Joanna. You’re welcome, always!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
Joanna
LikeLiked by 2 people
Wonderful post. It is always amazing to find out that the “little” things in life can have such an impact on a person.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Diana, for your insightful comments! I am glad that you like the story and the music,
Joanna
LikeLiked by 2 people
You’re so very welcome my dear Joanna! The music warmed my spirit. Thank you and enjoy the rest of your weekend my friend. 🥰💐😘
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Kym!
Joanna xx
LikeLiked by 2 people
You’re welcome Joanna! 💖
LikeLike
How lovely the starlings sound, and they even provide their own percussion! And the book sounds really interesting, I will look for it. As always, your life among the birds and animals is fascinating and touching 🤗🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Harini, for your wonderful comments! If you can find the book, you will like it! Thank you again, Harini, for your time and thoughts, all deeply appreciated!
Joanna
LikeLiked by 2 people
I just downloaded a sample on my Kindle. If I really love it, I’ll buy it – it’s pretty expensive!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Unfortunately, good books always are!
Joanna x
LikeLiked by 2 people
Not always – I’ve read many excellent books free on the Kindle Unlimited subscription. Speaking of which, have you read West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge? One of the best animal books I’ve read, you will love it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Harini will have a look!
Joanna xx
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for sharing this idea Anita
LikeLike