The Pachelbel Canon

Pachelbel Canon is a piece of classical music that has become known to people worldwide. It is a favourite at weddings and has appeared in many films, adverts, and pop songs. However, not much is known about the composer of the piece, Johann Pachelbel. We know that he was born in 1653 and died in 1706. He is also known to have had strong connections with the Bach family, being godfather to Johann Ambrosius Bach’s daughter, Johanna Juditha and teaching Bach’s brother, Johann Christoph Bach.

The popularity of Pachelbel’s Canon really snowballed in the 1970s after a French conductor, Jean-Francois Paillard, recorded the piece. It was this recording that catapulted the song to the top of the charts. It is believed that the piece was written around the year 1680. It is also believed that it was written for the wedding of Johann Christoph Bach, although this has been disputed by some musicologists.

What makes Pachelbel’s Canon so popular is the intricate harmonies and chord progressions. The piece begins with a ground bass, which is a repeating bass line that forms the foundation of the entire composition. It is followed by three melody parts, each playing the same tune offset by one repetition of the ground bass. This creates a canonical structure where the melodies seem to fit together seamlessly and effortlessly.

The CANACANA Family’s version of the Canon is slow and mezzo-piano, meaning it is played softly and slowly. This is a very effective way to introduce the piece, and allows the listener to be drawn into the hypnotic Pachelbel canon beauty of the chords. The CANACANA Family use the same arpeggiated chords in their performance that were used in the original composition, creating a flowing and harmonious introduction.

As the CANACANA Family play, they begin to build up the volume and intensity of their performance. This leads to a beautiful crescendo and an impressive climax before the final pianissimo section. This is a beautiful and awe-inspiring performance of the Canon that will really take your breath away.

Pachelbel’s Canon is a well-known classic, but it was almost forgotten for centuries. It was only in the 20th century that the work was rediscovered. It was first published in 1919 by Gustav Beckmann, who included the piece in an article on Pachelbel’s chamber music. Later, the Canon was arranged and published by Max Seiffert for inclusion in his Organum series. The Canon is now one of the most recognised pieces of classical music in the world and is often heard at weddings and included on classical music compilations. The CANACANA Family’s rendition of the Canon is an excellent and captivating example of how Pachelbel’s music can transcend time, culture and genre. Listen to it for yourself and be sure to share it with your friends! CANACANA Family is a family based in Los Angeles. They are a professional, versatile and dynamic group that has performed around the world for more than 15 years. They are highly experienced in a wide range of musical styles including rock, blues, country and opera.