Johann Pachelbel

Synopsis

The accomplished Baroque organist Johann Pachelbel (1653-1706) was south German born, but spent much of his career in middle Germany. He studied in Nuremburg, Altdorf, and Regensburg before becoming the organist of St. Stephenąs Cathedral Vienna, Austria, in 1674. By 1677 he returned to Germany as the court organist at Eisench. A year later he obtained the organist post at the Predigerkirche at Erfurt, remaining there for twelve years. He also served in the courts at Stuttgart (1690), and Gothe (1692). He returned to his hometown in 1695, as organist of St Sebald's.

Pachelbel wrote both free works (toccatas, fantasies, fugues, etc.) and chorale settings. His development of the "cantus firmus" chorale is perhaps his greatest contribution. It consists of the chorale melody in long notes, one phrase at a time, each phrase preceded by fore-imitation in the accompanying voices. This compositional pattern influenced many other composers and eventually became a standard form.

For details, see the Johann Pachelbel article on Wikipedia.

Background and General Perspectives on Performing Pachelbel Organ Works

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Registration and Organs

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See the footnote in the "Notes" section at the bottom of the page

Fingering and Pedaling

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Articulation and Phrasing

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Ornamentation

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Tempo and Meter

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Scores and Editions

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Recordings

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Free Online

Pachelbel Prelude Fugue and Ciaccona in D minor Great Baroque Organ in Leżajsk 1967, performed by Józef Chwedczuk

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Other Resources

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Notes

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