Canon in D

Category: Baroque Music
Writer: Frankie Chan
  • 最後更新：2023 年 8 月 29 日
  • Last updated: 29 August, 2023
Canon in D, one of the most widely known classical music pieces of contemporary times, is composed by German composer Johann Pachelbel. The original version of Canon in D is composed for three violins, accompanied by one (or more) bass instrument(s). Over time, the piece has been arranged into various versions, such as piano solo and orchestral versions. The exact date of its composition is not recorded but it is generally believed to be composed between 1680-1706.
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The Rise of Canon in D (with audio links)

  • 1680-1706, the Canon in D was composed by the German composer Johann Pachelbel.
  • 1919, it was first documented in academic article which written by German historian Gustav Beckmann.
  • 1940, the first recording of Canon in D was made under the direction of American conductor Arthur Fiedler - Pachelbel's Canon (Arthur Fiedler, 1940).
  • 1968, a famous recording was made under the direction of French conductor Jean-François Paillard. This arrangement and interpretation of Canon in D greatly changed its fate and brought it to the attention of the public - Jean-François Paillard, Pachelbel Canon in D major.
  • 1980, it was used as the main theme for the American movie "Ordinary People", and its popularity grew as audiences in Europe and the United States tried to identify the music. It then widely spread in Europe and America and gradually to other regions - Johan Pachelbel - Canon In D Major - OFFICIAL "Ordinary People" Version.
  • 2001, it was used as a soundtrack for the South Korean film "My Sassy Girl". The success of the film helped to the widespread popularity of Canon in D (especially in Asia) and it became one of the most widely known classical music of contemporary times - My Sassy Girl (Korean) Piano Scene - Canon.

Composing Techniques

Canon in D is mainly composed of two composing techniques: the "Canon" created by 3 violins, and the "Basso Ostinato" created by the bass instrument(s). The title "Canon in D" mainly refers to the "Canon" which created by the violins.

Pachelbel's Canon

Pachelbel's Canon. Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Canon

Canon means different voices play the same melody but starting at different time-spots, resulting an overlapped and intertwined effect. It's a typical example of polyphonic music, meaning that the notes in each voice can be regarded as melody and harmony, creating a unique musical texture.

Basso Ostinato

Basso Ostinato is a repeating bass-melodic-line in a piece of music. It is often used as an introduction, and is repeated throughout the piece until the end. The basso ostinato of Canon in D is made up of 8 notes (D-A-B-F#-G-D-G-A). It is known as the Romanesca Sequence, which was popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, often used in church music.

Content
The content is writing for the purpose of sharing only, and conducted by the following tutor(s). Please correct us if there are any deficiencies.
Contributing Writer(s)
Frankie Chan
Frankie Chan
California Baptist University (US), Hong Kong Baptist University
Violin, Western Music Theory

Reference

Classic FM. (24 May, 2019). How did Pachelbel’s Canon in D become the most popular wedding song?. Retrieved 26 January, 2023 from https://www.classicfm.com/composers/pachelbel/music/pachelbels-canon-d-facts/

Galaxy Music Notes. [n.d.]. Learn About “Canon and Gigue in D” by the Baroque Composer Johann Pachelbel. Retrieved 26 January, 2023 from https://galaxymusicnotes.com/pages/learn-about-canon-and-gigue-in-d-by-the-baroque-composer-johann-pachelbel

Johann Pachelbel, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. Retrieved 26 January, 2023 from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pachelbel%27s_Canon_-_Mus.MS_16481-8_Page_1.jpg.

Levine, Alexandra S. (9 May, 2019). “How ‘Canon in D Major’ Became the Wedding Song”. Retrieved 26 January, 2023 from https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/09/fashion/weddings/canon-in-d-major-wedding-song.html

Schwarm, B. (16 May, 2020). Pachelbel’s Canon. Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved 26 January, 2023 from https://www.britannica.com/topic/Pachelbels-Canon

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