Johann Pachelbel (a German composer and organist – 1653 - 1706) wrote Canon in D Major in the late 17th century or early 18th century. There is some speculation that it was written as a gift for the wedding of Johann Sebastian Bach or his older brother, who studied with Pachelbel. It is often used during wedding ceremonies because of its uplifting nature and it was also used in the film Ordinary People and has been used in various songs.
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Originally written for three violins and ground bass (basso continuo) there are now many different interpretations and variations of these variations. I hope that you enjoy listening to some of these different versions:
This version is played on original instruments and employs the techniques of the time:
Here is the canon interpreted by violin, piano and ‘cello
George Winston (pianist) created a set of variations on the Pachelbel Canon in D
Here is a jazz version that was inspired by the jazz version in the korean drama, 'Monstar'.
(Pianist: Jonathan Mamora Guitar: Lorenzo Sanchez Cellist: Marie Del Aguila)
and finally rather creative version played on a rubber chicken !!
(Warning you won’t be able to 'unhear' this!!)
If you are interested in learning a little more about the structure of the piece of music and which modern music some of its elements feature in you’ll find some interesting details via this link:
