Magnificat

Donald Macleod unravels the rich musical legacy of a composer known almost exclusively for one iconic work: the "Canon in D". Ending the week, a brilliant Magnificat setting, and a final, unique take on the Canon from a Japanese jazz iconoclast.

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 our own 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.

As he completes his journey through the life and work of this neglected genius of the early Baroque, Donald Macleod wonders why his music - the Canon aside - faded, and introduces a Magnificat setting that demonstrates how foolish posterity has been. We end with a final, brilliant take on the Canon in D by Japanese jazz iconoclast Hiromi.

Lobet den Herrn (Psalm 150)
Johann Rosenmüller Ensemble
Arno Paduch, conductor

Aria Sebaldina in F Minor (Hexachordum Apollinis)
Werner Jacob, organ

Magnificat in C Major [originally E Flat Major], P250
The King's Singers
Charivari Agréable
Kah-Ming Ng, director

Hiromi, after Pachelbel
Pachelbel's Canon
Hiromi, piano.