Search - Johann Pachelbel, London Baroque :: Pachelbel: Canon & Gigue; Chamber Works

More than just the Canon in D

scott | Calgary, Canada | 05/20/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I feel I must come to the defense of this disc, and Herr Pachelbel. Everyone has heard the famous Canon so many times, often in horrific arrangements, that it no longer can be enjoyed. I will admit, when it isn't tinkered with, it is a very clever canon in three parts over a ground bass, and a really lovely piece, but it's very ubiquity works against it. Unfortunately, Harmonia Mundi has taken the low-brow route and plastered "Canon & Gigue" on the front of this release to get the casual classical fan who wants the sweet lollipops that are recorded ad nauseum to pick it up.



Well, pick it up he should, but not for the fore-mentioned lollipop, but for the only complete recording of Pachelbel's Musicalisches Ergotzung. That translates as Musical Delight, and that they are. Here we have six partie (or suites really) published in 1692, and written for two "mis-tuned violins" with continuo. That is for two scordatura violins, where the strings are retuned in various ways to make certain multiple stop passages possible, and work to the best advantage the resonances of different keys with the appropriate tuning. All very clever stuff which was taken to its extreme in Biber's Mystery Sonatas.



Each partie is headed by a movement called Sonata, followed by various dance movements such as allemands, courants, sarabands, gigues, and gavotts. Also included are three extra partie which survive in manuscript, and scored for two violins, two violas and bass. All of these suites are very good, and show Pachelbel to be much more than a one trick pony. The disc ends with the Canon, but hopefully by the time you get to it, you have been convinced of the merits of this composer apart from his "Best Hit".



Please, do yourself a favour, and listen to this and get to hear just how good Pachelbel is. It might convince you to look into his vocal music which also very worth knowing. It's time for poor Johann to be accorded the respect he deserves."