Customer Reviews

Pachelbel Canon and Other Baroque Hits

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We have all heard the infinitely moving Canon in D by Pachelbel hundreds of times - it is not surprising that it has appeared, in one form or another, in commercials, films (most notably Ordinary People, which used the main theme as the underscoring for the entire film) - it is perfect, simple and incredibly, undeniably moving. But you are in for more treats on this basic Baroque sampler, which features many popular themes you may know, despite the fact that you may not be a hard-core classical music buff. The joy of each and every one of these cuts lies in their simple, enduring melodies and the gorgeous musical settings provided here. They sound fresh, new and as contemporary as anything you might hear on the radio. This album has a holiday after-effect as well; the fanfares, hymns and exciting instrumentation (horns, harps, strings galore) make you feel as if it is Christmas every day.

This CD contains a great sampling of Baroque music. Some of the best known songs of the period are included. Listeners will likely instantly recognize many of the songs (you've likely heard them before, you just didn't know their names). An excellent rendition of Pachelbel's Canon starts off the CD. Then plenty of music from big names such as Bach, Handel, and Vivaldi fill out the disc's 72 and a half minutes of music.

The demographics of this disc point to an intended mainstream audience. For example, the track listing includes references to which songs served as themes for television shows. For example, Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 includes the byline "Theme from 'Firing Line'" and Mouret's Rondeau says "Theme from 'Masterpiece Theater'". So this collection does represent a popular collection of Baroque songs. And it plays that role very well.

Other standout tracks include: 2 movements from Vivaldi's justifiably famous "The Four Seasons", Bach's amazing "Air on the G String" and Handel's "Xerxes". The disc includes no vocal tracks. "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" from Bach's Cantata No. 147 gets performed on a solo organ (the original has vocals and a string arrangement). So those uneasy with "classical style singing" will find no problems here.

All in all, this disc serves as a good introduction to a great period of music history. It could also serve as a starting point for selecting a favorite composer or as a guide for building a classical music collection.

This CD does what it says it does: it gives you a brief, excellently recorded overview of the Baroque. But remember, this is just bits and pieces of a great store of music.

This CD will whet your appetite. You'll need to buy more, after you've heard the excerts of the great works here.

Pachelbel's Canon is the most beautiful and moving piece ever written. I plan on using it as the processional song at my August 2001 wedding. (As well as playing other selections from the CD during the ceremony.) If you are into classical music, you will absolutely fall in love with this CD.

Canon transports the listener on such a beautiful journey. It mesmerizes and soothes the soul. My ultimate favorite classical piece for ever.

Pachelbel's Canon in D is always good but the rest of the tracks shine as well. This is a superb collection of classical music. If you're new to classical music and love strings, purchase this CD. You'll be glad that you did.

Pachelbel's Canon in D is always good, but the rest of the tracks shine as well. This is a superb collection of classical music. If you're new to classical music and love strings, purchase this CD. You'll be glad that you did.

It would be hard to imagine a better "starter" CD for someone new to Baroque music than this one. True to the title the very "greatest hits" of the Baroque are here, along with a couple of less obvious pieces; my favorite of these is the overture to Handel's MESSIAH, not as frequently excerpted as some of the other selections. The performances, taken from various "complete recordings" by esteemed conductors and ensembles, are all first-class, and as a bonus there is that delightful Al Hirschfield caricature of Bach on the CD cover! I can honestly say this CD is one of my favorites in my extensive CD collection.

THe Bach Brandenburg #2 (William Buckley's Firing Line Theme)is the one that was used on the show. Wonderful interpretation and playing.

You must absolutely experience listening to The Canon in D by Pacelbel. It is the most moving and inspirational piece of music ever written. It will truly put you in the presence of God as He certianly inspired Pacelbel to create such a beautiful peice of music. It is soul moving to say the least. A must hear for everyone.