CANON IN D
Johann Pachelbel 1653-1706
c1680

The accomplished Baroque organist Johann Pachelbel was south German born, 
but spent much of his career in middle Germany.

Johann Pachelbel's repertory is the stylistic ancestor of J. S. Bach's, 
particularly his technique of chorale variation. His development of the 
"cantus firmus" chorale is perhaps his greatest contribution. It consists 
of the chorale melody in long notes, one phrase at a time, each phrase 
preceded by fore-imitation in the accompanying voices. This compositional 
pattern influenced many other composers and eventually became a standard 
form.

His body of work reflects the cultural contrasts between his own 
Protestant ways and those of the higher Church, and certainly deserves to 
be known at least as well as his celebrated Canon

It is not known when Pachelbel composed his famous Canon. The work was 
originally scored for three violins and continuo, each violin entering in 
turn and elaborating on a simple theme as the piece gathers in strength 
and builds to a climax.