Description
Duration: Approximately 12:00min
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"Johann Pachelbel (c.1653–1706) was a highly acclaimed composer of the Baroque period. Although his output included many fine fugues and chorale preludes, it is his Canon in D that has become immensely popular. This ubiquitous work has been recorded for all kinds of ensembles, from the deeply musical to the, well, less musical (if one was to be kind).
The work is a set of variations based on the melody and harmony of the Canon. In this version the canon undergoes some transformation, from freely flowing chordal structures, through a somewhat “pathetique” (though hopefully not pathetic) slow section, a bright scherzo, and eastern dance, a somewhat frenetic semi-tonal section before settling into its normal guise. In keeping with the title, there are some sections of real fire and energy, particularly the free flowing Coda that somehow moves through F-sharp to get us back to the home key of C. That’s definitely the long way home.
It’s a work that was designed to be a bit fun; the Canon is, after all, heard in shopping centres and airports around the world. I hope that in hearing this version you will be reminded both of the beauty and utility of what has become Pachelbel’s best known work."
Alan Lourens
Instrumentation: Picc, Fl 1 2, Ob, Bsn, Cl 1 2 3, Bs Cl, A Sx 1 2, T Sx, B Sx, F Hn 1 2 3 4, Tpt 1 2 3, Trom 1 2, B Trom, Euph, Tuba, Tymp, Glock, Xylo/Marimba, Percussion, Cr Cym