Canon in D by Johann Pachelbel

[contentpiano]

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.

[hexameron]

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.