July, 1920 SONG OF THE GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW 137 
to C, making the last interval a major third and establishing the key of C 
major. Like the first, this has been heard in five different keys ranging from 
one tone lower to one tone higher. 
8Va 
O =l«d aa 
gliss. 
Fig. 31 
This is less frequently heard than the former. I did not determine the 
exact pitch of this song but it seems probable that on account of the great in- 
terval between the first and second notes it should be pitched as here written 
or perhaps a half tone or a tone lower, but no higher, for this would employ 
a higher note than I have ever heard the bird sing. 
Fig. 32 
This song I have heard only once. It is the one written by Keeler as men- 
tioned previously. 
The tempo is the same for all songs, about 120 whole notes to the minute, 
although this may vary somewhat. The quality of tone is that of harmonics 
on the violin. 
There are other variations which cannot be set down in musical notation. 
At times the last note (C) of the typical song will be tco high for C and not 
high enough for C sharp, producing the rather unpleasant effect of being out 
of tune. The same occasionally happens to the second measure of the song, 
and it applies to the variations as well. 
The Golden-crowned Sparrow is not usually considered among our finest 
songsters and perhaps with some degree of justice, for it would seem like slan- 
dering the thrushes to place him among them. But on the other hand, the 
simplicity of this song should not go unappreciated any more than we forget 
Hayden or Mozart just because we have Wagner, Strauss, and Debussy. The . 
greatest technician is not always the greatest artist, and this song, simple, yet 
sublime, is delivered by a true musician. The modesty and righteousness of the 
true interpretive artist underlie the spirit of this bird’s performance, and the 
elaborate songs of his more showy contemporaries in nowise diminish his glory. 
He is at least a true artist if not a great virtuoso. 
Alameda, Califorma, April 14, 1920. 
