Songs of the Copper Eskimos 



345 



No. 115. Recced IV. D. 7d 

 Eb major tonality with a flat seventh 



The introduction in this song and the later connective between the two 

 halves, are almost identical, as are the phrases which constitute the two main 

 parts. The pause of eight beats is perhaps natural between the two divisions 

 although such a break is rarely made. It is uncertain whether it is to be re- 

 garded as part of the song but probably it is not. The B phrase forms an excellent 

 answer to the A but aside from this there is not much form to be discovered 

 in so short a piece. The use of the minor seventh is interesting and effective. 

 The play between it and the true major seventh, as well as intermediary pitches 

 shows, as we have also found in some other examples, appreciation for the 

 varied effects to be obtained from the finer intervals and tone differences, 

 although it is not proof that all pitches which deviate from those of the major 

 and minor scales as we know them are employed intentionally. 



The song begins on the last half of the final beat of the measure, on the 

 fifth degree of the scale and ends on the tonic which is the general level. The 

 speed, as usual with songs from this region, is rapid, and the measures contain 

 nearly double the usual number of beats. It is rare that one finds among Copper 

 Eskimo songs metres that are unmistakably four part. 



