DENSMORE] NORTHERN UTE MUSIC 131 
CHARACTERISTICS OF SONGS 
In the tabulated analysis of these songs (p. 141) we note that two- 
thirds are major in tonality—a characteristic which is commonly 
associated with cheerfulness. The upward tendency of the melodies 
is shown by the fact that only two of the songs begin on an interval 
higher than the fifth, and yet 13 of the songs have a compass of 
more than five tones. This compass could only be attained by an 
ascent above the initial tone. This is a contrast to a large propor- 
tion of songs analyzed in which the first tone is the highest occurring 
in the melody. The melodic material is scanty. Eleven of the 15 
songs contain four or less scale-degrees, three are on a five-toned 
scale, and one contains the octave complete except the sixth and 
seventh. None of the songs are harmonic in structure and a large 
majority are purely melodic. Two-thirds of the songs begin with 
an upward progression, and 60 per cent of the entire number of 
intervals are ascending intervals. The average interval contains 2.9 
semitones. This is also the average interval in the songs of the 
Chippewa Mide’, whose fundamental idea is somewhat parallel to 
that represented by these songs. As stated in a previous work 
(Bull. 45, p. 13), ‘the Mide’ (Grand Medicine) is the native religion 
of the Chippewa * * *. Its chief aim is to secure health and 
long life to its adherents, and music forms an essential part of every 
means used to that end.’’ Also (p. 20), ‘‘The power of the Mide’ is 
exerted through a combination of two mediums, music and medicine.”’ 
Observing the rhythmic characteristics of this group, we find that 
four-fifths of the songs begin with an upward interval and contain a 
2—4 division in the first measure. This occurred aiso in 42 per cent 
of the Chippewa Mide’ songs and in 55 per cent of the Sioux songs 
used in treating the sick. (Cf. in this connection Bull. 53, p. 10.) 
All the songs contain a change of time. This occurs in all but one 
_of the similar songs and in about three-fourths of the Mide’ songs. 
Fourteen of these songs have one or more rhythmic units, all bu} 
one of the Sioux songs containing such units and 87 per cent of the 
Mide’ songs having the same peculiarity. These songs were sung 
slower than similar songs among the other tribes mentioned. 
Summary.—From these comparisons it is found that songs used in 
the treatment of the sick among the three tribes analyzed have more 
resemblance to each other than to other groups of songs, suggesting 
a correspondence between the content of the song and the form of 
its musical expression. 
