72 THE ROLLER CANARY 
good, if performed very softly (pianissimo), and tenderly. 
The ‘“r” must be lightly breathed, and it must be 
blended so softly with the “i” interwoven with a sub- 
dued “‘s,” that it is scarcely perceptible, just sufficient to 
maintain the “i” in a state of vibration. The “Sri” 
sung thus, high and pure, with the vowel full 
and falling in a long, swinging phrase, forms a charming 
episode. 
This tour ingratiates itself by its soft, placid, 
melodious character and its silvery tone. Such a 
Schwirre starts pianissimo, gradually increases to forte, 
and then passes along down to a wonderful Hollow 
Roll. 
> 
AN ARTISTIC PERFORMANCE 
It is difficult to breed such a high placed “i” and at 
the same time for it to be of such a fine quality. Most 
of our present-day deep songsters are not able to perform 
it pianissimo; their Schwirre is rough, sharp, hard, and 
is therefore a danger. A deep songster, however, who 
can perform in soft falsetto a pure Schwirre with a fine 
tone shading is a valuable bird. One must be able to 
picture in one’s own mind such an artistic performance 
in order to gauge its value. 
If Schwirre, although soft and pure, is sung 
“straight,” i.e., on one note, the falling and swelling 
out as described above being lacking, it is of less value, 
as also the following:—Vowel “i” not clear, some- 
thing between “i” and “e” (nasal) Predominance of 
the “r”; coarse. Predominance of the “s” ; sharp. 
Frequent, distinct accentuation of the “b” sound; 
hammering. 
