Little Music Note

April 25th, 2009 by Reb

Pachelbel’s Canon, also known as Canon in D major. One of the most popular tones being played and borrowed throughout history. The word Canon, meant for repeated chords with one or more imitations of the melody played after a given duration. Basically, just a melody being repeated with variations to each repetition. Try singing “Row row row your boat” with 2 people or more to create a rondo. You’ve got yourself a canon of some sort.

Pachelbel wrote this chamber music for three violins and basso continuo in 1680, during the Baroque period. Many people recognize this period of time in music history with one famous composer, Bach. Since the discovery of Pachelbel’s arrangement of Canon in D around 1920’s, thousands of varieties arose from this familiar tone. I remember the first time I got my hands on playing this piece, back when I was 12. It was like my dream song.

Now I’ve got a two of my students playing the easier arrangement. A boy and a girl, both only 10. The boy loved this piece of music since the day he could hear music. He was so excited to finally play it that he searched and listened to different versions of Canon every single day. He’s got the song memorized to his heart. Carried it wherever he went, and played it wherever he can find a piano. I was told by his proud parents, that he once found a show piano in the middle of a shopping mall, sat down and played this magnificent piece. Even I’ve never had that experience before! But his passion for Canon alone made my heart smile. I’ve got myself a piano student who loves music. Isn’t that the best thing a teacher could ever wish to have!

This is the version they are playing right now. (Although the recording is played by I =)

Related Posts

• This Is Where It Begins
• Student Show Case 2– Pathétique
• 6-Year-Old Mozart
• Avan Yu