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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.

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.

59 minutes

Last on

Fri 18 Sep 2020 12:00

Music Played

  • Johann Pachelbel

    Lobet den Herrn (Psalm 150)

    Conductor: Arno Paduch. Performer: Johann Rosenmüller Ensemble.
    • CHRISTOPHORUS.
    • CHR77257.
  • Johann Pachelbel

    Lobet Den Herrn

    Ensemble: Johann Rosenmüller Ensemble. Conductor: Arno Paduch.
    • Pachelbel: Christ tag in Todesbanden / Lobet den Hern.
    • CHRISTOPHORUS.
    • 1.
  • Johann Pachelbel

    Aria Sebaldina in F Minor (Hexachordum Apollinis)

    Performer: Werner Jacob.
    • VIRGIN CLASSICS.
    • VC7910872.
  • Johann Pachelbel

    Aria Sebaldina in F Minor (Hexachordum Apollinis)

    Performer: Werner Jacob.
    • Canon & Gigue / Chamber Works.
    • VIRGIN CLASSICS.
    • 16.
  • Johann Pachelbel

    Magnificat in C Major

    Performer: Kah-Ming Ng. Performer: The King’s Singers. Performer: Charivari Agréable.
    • Signum Classics.
    • SIGCD-198.
  • Johann Pachelbel

    Magnificat in C Major

    Singer: The King’s Singers. Ensemble: Charivari Agréable. Director: Kah-Ming Ng.
    • Pachelbel Vespers.
    • Signum Classics.
    • 6.
  • Johnann Pachelbel

    Pachelbel’s Canon

    Performer: HIROMI. Composer: HIROMI.
    • TELARC.
    • 83695.

Broadcasts

  • Fri 13 Apr 2018 12:00
  • Fri 18 Sep 2020 12:00

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