The third movement of G. Mahler’s first symphony titled “The Titan” aims to represent the redemption of the losers.
In the author’s intentions, the piece represents a scene in which the animals of the forest accompany a hunter on his last journey.
It is an ironic funeral march. For this representation, Gustav Mahler uses the theme of a famous canon: “Frère Jacques.”Compared to the original melody, there are some changes, the most important of which is the variation of the scale: the original is in a major scale (see previous post), while Mahler’s version is in D minor to give the piece a sadder tempo.
The timpani mark a slow and solemn basic rhythm on which the musical theme is presented, played with low notes by the double basses and then by the bassoons.
When the theme is almost concluded (bar 7), the second voice enters, and the canon begins.
Here are the themes used by Mahler.
Below is a melody composed and introduced by the author.
To follow the score of G. Mahler, I have prepared a base highlighting one voice in the first part and some easy overlaps in the second. The presentation of the theme, if possible, is played one octave lower. With the class divided into two groups, it is possible to overlay the theme from measure 13 to 18 and have two voices also for the finale.
In any case, the canon has always been a game of skill, so it is permissible to overlap, based on one’s tastes and possibilities, all the voices that can maintain the right flow.
Have fun.
Below you will find some links to other vocal and instrumental canons: