Pachelbel's Canon In D example essay topic

244 words
I decided to write my Musical Analysis Project paper over Johann Pachelbel's Canon in D. I had considered other more contemporary songs, but decided to use a piece from a classical genre since it would more clearly define it's attributes more so than that of Jon Bon Jovi or Van Halen. Johann Pachelbel by some peoples account might be considered by today's standards as a one hit wonder. However he was an accomplished organist performing throughout most of Germany, and during his last ten years dedicated much of his time to composition, which may have been the time his famous Canon was written. He was also responsible for many other works which included motets and Masses, which was quite interesting considering he was protestant. I of course did some research on this piece prior to starting the project, and found that "Canon in D' is in fact not really a Canon at all.

It's style was popular in the Baroque period and known as a Chaconne which according to the American Heritage Dictionary is a form consisting of variations based on a reiterated harmonic pattern. The song throughout, is one of a flowing movement, soft and smooth which has made it so popular at weddings, yet versatile enough that variations such as the one performed by the Trans Siberian Orchestra's "Christmas Canon" which has the melody and harmony of Canon in D with a children's choir singing vocals.