Notes on Pachelbel’s “Canon in D”

For those that don’t know, “Canon in D” by Pachelbel has become the most popular bridal processional music. It has replaced the traditional wedding recessional by Mendelssohn.

Pachelbel’s Canon is also a spectacularly lovely piece of music for any festive occasion. It is also popular just for the pure, enthralling pleasure of listening to it. It was written around 1680. Talk about a “Golden Oldie”!

The term “Canon” refers to a type of classical music song  which is similar to a “round”, like the song “Row, Row, Row Your Boat”. Remember singing that? One person starts singing the song, then another person comes in singing the song, then a third person….and so on….

Pachelbel’s Canon in D is basically a fancy, elegant “round”, just like “Row, Row, Row Your Boat”.

The long winding, complex melody of Pachelbel’s Canon is played by a violinist, then four measures later, a second violinist joins in and begins the melody again. Then, four measures later, and third violinist comes in and starts it again! There is also a “bass line” usually played by the cello, which starts the piece, along with some rhythmic harmony, usually played by the harpsichord or plucked violin  strings.

In our performance, all three violins are played by Gary Schnitzer on separate tracks. Instead of cello, the Guitar starts the song with the “bass line” and rhythmic harmonies. Cellos enter to support the sound a little later. And a little later after that, the organ also joins in for a full and rousingly grand sound.

This track is available on our Wedding Music CD “I Do”. You can also purchase it as a single for digital download directly from our page at our online music store.