Altered Version 1: Details

Problem: The pitch drops on the descending lines in bars 2 and 6.

Possible solutions:
- The conductor keeps in mind that ‘descending melodies, especially in the minor mode, require special attention in regard to intonation’ (Per-Gunnar Alldahl, Choral Intonation, p. 39) and guides the singers in counteracting this ‘pull of gravity’, through excellent demonstration in singing, verbal explanation, and conducting gesture.
- During the teaching process, the conductor uses exercises that strengthen the singers’ feeling for the triad of chord I, on which this canon is based. Exercises that involve secure, well-tuned singing of the key note (la), the fifth (mi), and the third (do) can provide a good stepping stone.
- The rhythm of bars 2 and 6 is practised well, to avoid hesitation that could impact the quality of singing and overall clarity and momentum of the piece.