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Topic: Canon in D by Johann Pachelbel (Read 2209 times)

contentpiano

PS Silver Member
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Posts: 15

Canon in D by Johann Pachelbel

on: April 15, 2020, 05:55:10 PM

I hope you enjoy my performance of Canon in D by Johann Pachelbel.

Ironically the piece is not actually a Canon. Strictly speaking its a Passacaglia. However, it is simply one of the most elegant melodies around, which explains its timeless quality.

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hexameron

PS Silver Member
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Posts: 2

Re: Canon in D by Johann Pachelbel

Reply #1 on: July 05, 2020, 02:05:34 PM

This arrangement isn't a canon, no, but that's because it's an arrangement. Pachelbel's original, for three violins and cello is certainly a canon: the passacaglia is played unceasingly on the cello whilst the violins enter at two-bar intervals with identical music.

Giving each 2-bar idea a number, we have a constantly evolving set of permutations:
1
12
123
234
345
456
567
etc.

So whilst the cellist's part is rather dull, the compositional craftsmanship of the violins is impressive.