Composer of the Month: Johann Pachelbel (Baroque Period)

“The more we study, the more we discover our ignorance.” — Johann Pachelbel

Johann Pachelbel (1653 - 1706) was born in Nürnberg, Germany. He was a composer, organist, and teacher during the Baroque Era.

Pachelbel studied music and held posts in Germany and Austria. Vienna, Austria exposed Pachelbel to the works of several composers as well as the rich musical traditions of the city. This period greatly influenced Pachelbel's musical style, particularly his interest in both Italian music and Catholic church music.

In 1695, he was appointed as organist in Nürnberg. Pachebel also taught organ. One of his pupils was Johann Christoph Bach, who in turn gave his younger brother, Johann Sebastian Bach (the composer), his first formal keyboard lessons.

After a particular 12-year tenure as an organist, Pachelbel established a reputation as one of the leading German organ composers of the time. Also during this time, Pachelbel suffered personal tragedy as his wife and only son died from a plague. He later remarried and had seven more children.

Pachelbel took up a prestigious position as an organist in Nürnberg, where he spent the rest of his life.

His music had a profound influence on the works of subsequent composers. Compositions of his include chorale, preludes, toccatas (virtuoso compositions), fugues (music with its basic structure built on a repeating theme), chamber sonatas, and vocal music.

The piece Pachelbel is most well known for is his Canon in D. Its chord progression is iconic, and the piece is frequently used in various forms in music and media, including pop songs, films, and commercials.

Click here to listen to Pachelbel's Chaconne in F Minor.