Beyond the Canon

Donald Macleod unravels the rich musical legacy of a composer known almost exclusively for one iconic work: the "Canon in D".

Johann Pachelbel (1653-1706) was one of the most exceptional musical minds of his generation - a composer of brilliant choral and keyboard music and a huge influence on JS Bach. Yet more than three centuries on, his reputation rests almost exclusively on one piece - his "Canon in D", one of the most famous pieces of classical music of own our age. This week, Donald Macleod delves deep into his world, exploring a raft of brilliant vocal and instrumental works and putting to bed the myth of the "one-hit wonder". We also look more closely at the iconic Canon - in a variety of fascinating, sometimes surprising arrangements.

Donald begins the week with music that clearly shows why Pachelbel was so venerated by JS Bach and his peers - with joyful, singing vocal lines and highly-crafted harmonies.

Canon & Gigue in D
Gli incogniti

Singet dem Herrn
Cantus Cölln
Konrad Junghänel, conductor

Gott ist unser Zuversicht
Cantus Cölln
Konrad Junghänel, conductor

Suite in G Major
Gli incogniti

Hexachordum Apollinis: Aria Prima in E Minor (Dorian)
Wolfgang Rübsam (lute harpsichord)

Cantata: Christ lag in Todesbanden
Claire Lefilliâtre, soprano
Hans Jörg Mammel, tenor
David van Bouwel, organ
Namur Chamber Choir
Les Agrémens
Jean Tubéry, conductor

Pachelbel, arr Isao Tomita - Canon in D
Isao Tomita, synthesiser.