Johann Pachebel (1653 - 1706) was one of the great composers of the baroque period.  Pachebel was a German organist as well as a composer.  Pacheb, in most cases is not thought of before other composers of this period.  Bach seems to be the name that is connected to baroque music the most.  Another name that is heard more often then Pachebel is Handel.  However, Pachebel's music resembles some of the best pieces of baroque and can hold it's own next to Bach and Handel.  However, you can hear a lot of Bach in Pachebel's works.  Pachebel was teaching Bach's brother which led to Bach teaching Pachebel.
 
 

Melody

    In this piece there are four different themes stated, each using a different melody.  In many instances each theme is repeated several time.  As the theme is repeated, generally the same notes are used.  In theme one the same notes are used in both voices.
      Listen to theme one
        Click Here

     Theme1.vcd

     The same thing happens in theme two.
        Listen to this theme.
            Click Here

  Theme2.vcd
 

    In theme three different notes are used however these notes are used for harmony.
    Listen to the third theme
     Click Here

  Theme3.vcd
 
 

Theme four, both voices play at the same time so different notes are played for
harmony purposes.
   Listen to theme four.
     Click Here
 Theme4.vcd
 
 
 

Rhythm

The rhythm in this piece is quite simple.  Usually each theme uses one rhythm and sticks with it through the whole theme.  Also in the entire piece there is only four rhythms used.  Could you listen to the piece and write the four rhythms that you hear?
 

    In the first theme the only uses half notes, in both voices.
    The second theme introduces quarter notes.
    The third theme uses the most complicated rhythm in this piece, sixteenth notes.
    The fourth theme uses mostly eighth notes.
 

Harmony
    I'm sure by now that you have covered monophonic, polyphonic, and homophonic music.  Monophonic is one melody is played at a time.  Polyphonic is several melodies played at one time.  Homophonic includes harmony.
                Any suggestions as to what this piece is?
                                    Monophonic
                                    Polyphonic
                                    Homophonic
    In a way this piece could be both polyphonic and homophonic.  There are, at times, two melodies played at the same time.  Since this is a canon at some spots in the piece that one voice is playing one melody and the other voice is playing another melody.  This piece could also be homophonic music because not only is their harmony playing along with the melody but also because there are two different melodies going at the same tim, this creates harmony.
 

Form
                            Can you tell me what the form of this piece is?
                                      HINT:  It is the name of the piece.

    A canon is a round.  When we were younger we have all sang Row, Row, Row, Your Boat in a round.  Well that is the same concept of this piece.  One of the voices starts out and then the next voice enters with the same melosy that the first one had.  The voices continue through the piece being one phrase behind the other.
    Listen again and find the measure where the second voice comes in?
 Click Here
 

 Canon.vcd
 

Expression
 
 

    I think that this is one of the most expressive pieces of music.
    I would like you to think about ways that the dynamics, tempo, and articulation makes this piece          expressive.
    The tempo is qite slow.  The tempo of this piece leaves time for each note to build in its own way.  The tempo lets each note smoothly lead into the next in a very relxing fassion.
    The dynamics of this piece is typically soft.  However, this leaves enough room for the song to build in to wonderful climaxes.  hear quite a few climaxes in this piece, which adds to the expression.
    For the most part of this piece all of the notes are slurred.  This helps to make the piece very delicate.  It also adds a sense of happiness to the piece.
    I would like you now to listen to the piece, listen for the expression of the piece.  Listen to the phrasing and dynamics.

Click Here

 Pachebel.vcd
 

Multicultural Connections

    Most of you have probably heard this piece before.  Some of you that have older brothers/sisters or cousins that are married may have heard this played at their weddings.  This piece is very common at weddings.  I would like each of you to think of a time that you might have heard this piece, even if you have heard on television.  This piece called the Wedding Song because it is so frequetly played at weddings.
 

To make sure that you fully understand what you have just read, take this quiz!
   QUIZ1
 
 

To get the most of this page you will need to have the following CD.
            PACHELBEL'S CANON
            BAROQUE FAVORITES