Patterns in Music: A Tale of Two Canons

Pachelbel Canon in D, Garner's Canon in C

Musicians who want to take the next step beyond performance are looking for inspiration and direction.  The individual may be a soloist or may play with larger groups of musicians.  When seeking this inspiration, we can look at the work of other composers.   There is such a wealth from our classical composers, historical folk music, and our current 20th and 21st Century compositions with RAP and popular bands.

One guiding idea is to look at music with themes.  Ahh yes, and who uses  “themes” to tickle our imagination better than John Williams and…JAWS.  The music told us that the shark was nearby…coming.  Bass notes: E F….E F….D E F…D E F

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BePfzCOMRZQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVeXm9MmSu0

In my teaching studio with piano students, I especially enjoy taking them on an adventure with Pachelbel’s Canon in D.  It is a wonderful study on setting a theme and letting that theme repeat every eight measures. Here are three YouTube recordings to let you enjoy a very special listening extravaganza and get acquainted with Pachelbel’s beautiful tribute.

 First is the Sextet.  This is, for me, a very special musical experience.  The theme repeats but changes as the different instruments play with changing melodic themes:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvNQLJ1_HQ0

 As a piano teacher, I would be remiss if I didn’t share this lovely piano rendition:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNsgHMklBW0

Then, my very favorite ensemble group…The Piano Guys.  This is the Piano and Cello with a crazy, fun exploration of the Canon in D:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xV1mZ1BjKa8

Now my favorite part of exploring the beautiful, deeply moving experience with Pachelbel’s Canon in D.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvNQLJ1_HQ0

Start the music and stand up.  Be sure you are in a large open space, with no chairs or tables.

Close your eyes.  Begin to sway and move.  Take a step and sway.  Take several steps, and feel the music singing within.  Now begin to dance, moving and swaying, feeling the music as the instruments repeat themes.  Try to keep the eyes closed.

Where did you go?  What did you see?  What did you feel?  This experience is almost like a meditation, and Pachelbel takes you to a special world with his Canon in D.

Well, why all this fuss with Pachelbel’s Canon in D? Because  I wanted to share with you something that I do with ALL of my students--it is so cool and students love the experience.  However, there is an even more important reason.  I want to remind you of a very special piece Aaron Garner gave us in the Method.

We find the Canon in C in Method, Level 5C.  Look at No. 1.  It is the first eight measures of the piece.  The harmonic movement is C – G – am – em – F – C – F – G back to C and repeat. Note that the pattern here is I – V – vi – iii – IV – low I – IV – V. This is the same pattern for Pachelbel's Canon.  It is the harmonic structure throughout the piece.

This pattern is repeated every eight measures.  The bass pattern changes and the treble melody changes.  Again, this is also the basis of Pachelbel’s Canon in D.

Now go listen to No. 20, the final complete piece.  Watch for the changes every eight measures.

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Evelyn Billberg teaches at her Keyboard Magic Studio in Denver, Colorado.  Evelyn has a Master Degree in Composition and Theory.  Piano Marvel provides an important resource for both in-studio and Zoom lessons.  She enjoys researching the dynamic enrichment music brings and sharing concepts and practice for expanding skills at the keyboard.