I wrote words to “Farandole” in honor of my beloved Border Collie, Torey(RIP):
Torey lives
a life— of— ease!
It’s so pleasant to do what your ple-e-ease.
In the shade, so the sun won’t scorch
Her insulated igloo’s on the porch
She is free from— ticks and fleas
Although her medicine makes— her— sne-e-eeze
Of South Florida, she’s the queen
Her paws wiggle when she has a dream.
A Dog’s Life
Can be kinda neat.
Her only job is to be cute and swe-e-e-e-eet
Eat sleep play, Take Momma for a jog,
Life is lovely just being a dog.
I used to sing this to her all the time. Then, once while we were riding in my car and listening to Classical Radio, L’Arlesianne came on. Immediately she recognized the tune, her ears went up, and she started bouncing up and down with joy. It was HER song!
Normally I wouldn’t expect dogs to be able to recognize musical intervals, discern melody, or be able to extrapolate from an orchestral arrangement that this was the same as the little acapella ditty that her Momma would sing to her.
But...we are talking about a BORDER COLLIE.
What a fascinating story! Thank you for posting it; it adds even more to my experience of the music now.