Customer Reviews

Pachelbel: Canon & Gigue; Chamber Works

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Pachelbel's canon is so lovely that I always figured he must have written other good chamber music. But until this album I'd failed to find it. The trio sonatas and parties are pleasant melodies and make gratifying listening.

The album also, inevitably?, contains the canon. But here too there's a reward. The canon was popularized by a Viennese string orchestra that toured the US c. 1973 and played the canon at a 6-7 minute pace, yet today's chamber performers prefer a pace of about 2.5 to 3 minutes. This rendition is nearly 4 minutes and done with a liveliness of tone that reminds us why the canon is fun.

Despite being a music fanatic and having listened to all types of classical music for over 30 years, Pachelbel had only showed up on my "radar screen" a few times. Everytime I heard a piece, typically the "Canon", I would make a mental note to get a recording, but then proceed to forget. Once I actually made myself a note, I had problems finding a definative recording with any kind of review at all. I took a chance on this one, but was not disappointed. With the exception of the violin concertos, I have never been a big fan of Bach or baroque in general. I like this Pachelbel CD better than any other Bach I have, perhaps because the music is less encumbered than most Bach. Overall well worth the risk.

Who doesn't love Pachelbel's Canon. Once at an Italian restaurant with the strolling musicians, everyone else was asking for Broadway show tunes to be played. But when they came to our table, we said, "Do any Pachelbel?" They stayed and played three of his tunes, of course the Canon and two of the parties from this excellent recording done by a clear, vibrant ensemble from London.

One of our favorites which receives great play time.