Johann Dachclbel

Canon
(over
a basso Ostinato)
flor Piano o1o
rrang,ed by DeneS $ay
Theodore Dresser Company
bryn Mawr, Dennsylvania 19O1O
Johann Pachelbel (1653-1706), outstanding South German composer-organist of the
pre-Bach era, composed this canon for three violins with keyboard accompaniment.
As was the general practice of the period the accompaniment was notated only with
a bass line (bosso continuo). This continually recurring eight-note bass part (basso
ostinato) also indicated the harmonic texture which the performer
filled in in a freely
improvised manner.
In this piano version all the thematic materials are from the original, the accompani-
ment patterns (broken chords, etc.) are by the transcriber. Dynamic and phrasing
marks are also editorial additions. All this is well within the boundaries of stylistic
baroque performance practices which allowed the performer considerable latitudes.
One final suggestion for the player of today. Contrapuntal forms and textures are
not incompatible with expressive interpretation. Romantic sentimentality is, of
course, out of the question, but deep feeling, even passion
are not.
Denes Agay
tDuratid:
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CAI\TON
(over a Basso Ostinato)
for Piano Solo
JOHANN PACHELBEL
( l 6s3- l 706)
Arranged by Denes Agay
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O l 98l by Theodore Presser Co., Bryn Mawr, Pa.
1t0-40632
Al l Ri ghts Reserved
Pri nted i n U.S.A.
UruuthorEed copying, arranging, adapting or recording is an infringement
'ngers
are liable under the ldw.
International Copyright Secured
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