Johann Pachelbel

2016-09-29T02:53:23Z

Eric:

[[File:Pachelbel_signature.gif]]

[[File:Pachelbel-portrait.jpg|thumb|left|Johann Pachelbel [päKH'-ĕl-bĕl] ]]

b. Sep. 1, 1653 (Nürnberg, Germany)
d. Mar. 3, 1706 (Nürnberg, Germany)

Composer, performer and educator during the Baroque period [1600-1750]. To find out more about him, please see the sections below:

=== Biography ===
==== Education & Influences ====

Born in the city of Nürnberg in 1653, Johann Pachelbel grew up in one of the most culturally active regions of Europe.

Pachelbel's father enrolled him in the St. Lorenz high school, but soon recognized his music potential, so he arranged for his son to receive outside musical training from two leading instructors: Heinrich Schwemmer and organist Georg Caspar Wecker.

He attended various non-music related courses at Nürnberg's Auditorium Ægidianum. Normally, such courses were reserved for the children of the upper class, but an exception was made in his case, due to his academic abilities. These abilities further served to help Pachelbel gain entrance to the Universität Altdorf, in 1669 at the age of fifteen. In addition to his studies, he served as organist at the Pfarrkirche. Unfortunately, his father was unable to support him financially, so he was forced to withdraw.

In the spring of 1670, he enrolled in the Gymnasium Poeticum (the German equivalent of a high school, but is generally for university-bound students) in Regensburg. The school's administration was so impressed by his scholastic achievements that they gave him a scholarship and accepted him above and beyond their normal quota of students. They also made special arrangements for him to study music outside of the gymnasium with Kaspar Prentz . Prentz introduced Pachelbel to Italian music, an experience he would not have experienced inside the Gymnasium.

Prentz left Regensburg in 1672, and soon after, in 1673, Pachelbel decided to travel to Vienna. There he was immersed in the works of Catholic composers from Italy and southern Germany. Johann Kaspar Kerll also moved to Vienna in 1673, and though Pachelbel's music reflects various aspects of Kerll's technique , no evidence exists that Pachelbel was ever trained directly by Kerll.

The Vienna experience affected his style in a way that would not have been possible in the Protestant region where he grew up and was educated. Styles and techniques he learned here would be carried on and experimented with throughout his career.

==== Composer & Performer ====

Pachelbel began his professional career as an organist in various locations. As was stated above, his first job was as an organist at the Pfarrkirche. When he arrived in Vienna, he quickly found employment at the Stephanskirche (Church of St. Stevens) as a deputy organist.

In 1677, he returned to Protestant Germany and settled in Eisenach, Thüringen (Thuringia). Two important events happened while we lived here. Through his appointment as court organist under Daniel Eberlin for Prince Johann Georg of Sachsen-Eisenach, he became known as not only one of the most predominant German organists, but also one of the most accomplished composers.

Also in Eisenach, one of the most important events of the Baroque period took place. Here, Pachelbel met the Bach family and soon began to tutor Johann Ambrosius' children, including the young Johann Sebastian.

Circa 1678, the Prince of Sachsen-Eisenach died, and Pachelbel began looking for other work. He received no immediate offers, so he asked Daniel Eberlin for a testimonial addressed to any interested parties. Eberlin was happy to oblige and noted in the letter that Pachelbel was "a perfect and rare virtuoso."

Later that year, he was invited to nearby Erfurt to be the organist at the Protestant Predigerkirche (Preacher's Church). He remained at this post for 12 years, and during this time was married twice. He lost his first wife and son to the Plague in 1683 and remarried in 1684.

Having felt that he had spent enough time in Erfurt, Pachelbel asked to be released from his position there and in August of 1690, traveled to the southern German city of Stuttgart where he assumed the post of court organist for Duchess Magdalena Sibylla of Württemberg. His stay in Stuttgart was cut short by the threat of a French invasion so, in the fall of 1692, he return to the area of Thüringen, and this time found himself in the city of Gotha.

He served as the town organist, but due to his growing fame throughout Europe, was asked a month later to serve as an organist in Oxford, England, but rejected the offer. He was asked to return to Stuttgart, but also refused that offer.

On April 20th, 1695, his mentor Georg Caspar Wecker died, leaving vacant the organist's post at Sebalduskirche (Church of St. Sebald) in his hometown of Nürnberg. The church authorities were so anxious to appoint him that they decided to forego the customary audition process and helped pay his moving expenses. In the spring of 1695, he officially asked to be released from his position in Gotha, and in July of that year returned home and held the position until his death on March 9th, 1706.

==== Educator ====

Though he was officially a performer and composer for most of his life, Pachelbel took time out of his busy schedule -- often having to compose a new piece every week -- to tutor musicians on the side. The first and most important example of this occurred in Eisenach around 1677, where he became good friends with the Bach family.

In 1680, Johann Ambrosius Bach asked Pachelbel to be the godfather of his daughter, Johanna Juditha. Six years later, he was asked to tutor the eldest son of the Bach family, Johann Christoph (a.k.a. Johann Balthasar). During his visits, he also taught some of J.A. Bach's other children, including a young Johann Sebastian Bach.

In the years of 1693 and 1694, the Bach family was devastated by death. First J.A. Bach's twin brother, Johann Christoph Bach died. A short time later, J.A. Bach's wife, Elisabetha died, which devastated J.A. Bach, who in turn, died ten months later. This left the family shattered, and Johann Sebastian was sent to live with a cousin; however, this cousin had financial difficulties and sent Johann Sebastian to live with his brother Johann Christoph in Ohrdruf who trained him using techniques taught to him by Pachelbel.

One interesting story comes from his time in Ohrdruf. For some unknown reason, Johann Christoph forbid J.S. from reading a manuscript of Pachelbel's original works. Every night for six months, Bach would sneak down to his brother's study and copy the manuscript by moonlight for his own use. So Pachelbel influenced Johann Sebastian's music both directly and indirectly. For this reason, he is referred to as the "geistige Stammvater Bach" or the intellectual progenitor of Bach.

As he moved from various locations, he always took time to tutor students. This is especially evident during his times in Erfurt and his later years in Nürnberg. He also tutored all of his children. His son William Hieronymus filled Pachelbel's position at Sebalduskirche, shortly after his death. His other two sons, Carl Theodor & Johann Michael immigrated to America around 1730.

While in America Carl Theodor made a bit of history. Following in his father's footsteps he found employment as an organist at the Trinity Church in Newport, Rhode Island sometime around 1733. In 1736, he traveled to New York City and at 6:00 PM on January 21, 1736 gave a concert in a local tavern. This event is significant as it was the first concert in the colonies of which records exist. Thus, Pachelbel's influence was not only limited to the European continent, but spread across the ocean to America.

=== Works ===

Pachelbel's most famous work is ''Kanon/Canon'' in D Major (What is a canon?), and is arguably the most widely used, recorded and recognizable instrumental work of all time. Though his canon is his most popular work, his most highly regarded work is the ''Hexachordum Apollinis''. Others include:

* 95 magnificat fugues
* 60 organ chorales
* 16 toccatas
* 7 preludes
* 3 ricercars
* 6 fantasias
* 26 non-liturgical fugues
* 6 ciacconas
* 17 keyboard suites
* 8 keyboard variations
* 3 keyboard arias with variations
* 3 pieces for chamber orchestra
* 19 arias
* 11 motets (9 in German)
* 11 sacred concertos
* 25 magnificats & ingressi for Vespers
* 2 masses

For specific examples, please see the scores section.

=== Scores ===

* [https://mosterd.org/pachelbel/scores/kanon%20(orig.).pdf Canon/Kanon in D for 3 violins and basso continuo]
* [https://mosterd.org/pachelbel/scores/canon%20(sax%20quartet).pdf Canon/Kanon in D for 3 tenors and one baritone saxophone]
* [https://mosterd.org/pachelbel/scores/kanon.pdf Canon/Kanon and Gigue in D for 3 violins and bass]
* [https://mosterd.org/pachelbel/scores/chorale%20preludes-1.pdf Chorale Preludes]
** Ach Gott vom Himmel, sieh darein
** Ach Herr, mich armen Sünder
** Ach wie elend ist unsre Zeit
** Allein Gott in der Höh' sei Her
** Allein zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ
** An Wasserflüssen Babylon
** Auf meinen lieben Gott; Christe, der du bist Tag und Licht; Christ lag in Todesbanden
** Christ unser Herr zum Jordan kam; Da Jesus an dem Krueze stand
** Der Herr ist mein getreuer Hirt; Der Tag, der ist so freundenreich
** Dies sind die heil'gen zehn Gebot'
** Durch Adams Fall ist ganz verderbt
** Ein' feste Burg ist unser Gott
** Erbarm dich mein, o Herre Gott
* [https://mosterd.org/pachelbel/scores/chorale%20preludes-2.pdf Chorale Preludes]
** Erhalt uns, Herr, bei deinem Wort
** Es spricht der Unweisen Mund wohl
** Es woll' Gott genädig sein
** Gelobet seist du, Jesu Christ
** Gott der Vater wohn' uns bei
** Gott hat das Evangelium
** Gott Vater, der du deine Sonn'
** Herr Christ, der ein'ge Gottessohn
** Herr Gott, dich loben alle wir
** Ich hab' mein' Sach' Gott heimgestellt
** Ich ruf' zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ
** In dich hab' ich gehoffet Herr
** Jesus Christus unser Heiland, der den Tod
** Jesus Christus unser Heiland, der von uns Bicinium
** Komm Gott Schöpfer, heiliger Geist
** Komm heiliger Geist, Herr Gott
** Kommt her zu mir, spricht Gottes Sohn
** Lob sei Gott in des Himmels Thron
** Mag ich Unglück night widerstahn
** Meine Seele erhebt den Herren (Magnificat peregrini toni)
* [https://mosterd.org/pachelbel/scores/chorale%20preludes-3.pdf Chorale Preludes]
** Nun freut euch, lieben Christen g'mein
** Nun komm der Heiden Heiland
** Nun lasst uns Gott dem Herren
** Nun lob mein' Seel' den Herren
** O Lamm Gottes unschulding
** O Mensch, bewein' dein' Sünde gross
** Vater unser in Himmelreich
** Von Himmel hoch, da komm' ich her
** Warum betrübst du dich, mein Herz
** Was mein Gott will, das gescheh' allzeit
** Wenn mein Stündlein vorhanden ist
** Wenn wir in höchsten Nöten sein
** Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern
** Wir glauben all' an einen Gott
** Wo Gott der Herr nicht bein uns hält
** Wo Gott zum Haus nicht giebt sein' Gunst
** Treuer Gott, ich muss dir klagen
* [https://mosterd.org/pachelbel/scores/ciacona.pdf Ciacona in Bb for 2 violins and bass]
* [https://mosterd.org/pachelbel/scores/fantasias.pdf Fantasias in Eb & g]
* [https://mosterd.org/pachelbel/scores/fugues.pdf Fugues in C (nine), c, d, D, F, G (two), g, a (two)]
* [https://mosterd.org/pachelbel/scores/hexachordum_apollinis.pdf ''Hexachordum Apollinis'']
** Aria Prima
** Aria Secunda
** Aria Tertia
** Aria Quarta
** Aria Quinta
** Aria Sexta (Aria Sebaldina)
* [https://mosterd.org/pachelbel/scores/magnificat%20primi%20toni.pdf Magnificat Primi Toni]
* [https://mosterd.org/pachelbel/scores/magnificat%20secundi%20toni.pdf Magnificat Secundi Toni]
* [https://mosterd.org/pachelbel/scores/magnificat%20tertii%20toni.pdf Magnificat Tertii Toni]
* [https://mosterd.org/pachelbel/scores/magnificat%20quarti%20toni.pdf Magnificat Quarti Toni]
* [https://mosterd.org/pachelbel/scores/magnificat%20quinti%20toni.pdf Magnificat Quinti Toni]
* [https://mosterd.org/pachelbel/scores/magnificat%20sexti%20toni.pdf Magnificat Sexti Toni]
* [https://mosterd.org/pachelbel/scores/magnificat%20septimi%20toni.pdf Magnificat Septimi Ton]i
* [https://mosterd.org/pachelbel/scores/magnificat%20octavi%20toni.pdf Magnificat Octavi Toni]
* [https://mosterd.org/pachelbel/scores/Singet_Dem_Herrn.pdf Motet Singet dem Herren ein neues Lied (for eight-voice double choir)]
* [https://mosterd.org/pachelbel/scores/preludes.pdf Preludes in d (two), Eb, G, g, A, a]
* [https://mosterd.org/pachelbel/scores/preludes-toccatas%20and%20fugues.pdf Preludes/Toccatas and Fugues]
* [https://mosterd.org/pachelbel/scores/preludes.pdf Prelude & Fugue in e; Toccata & Fugue in Bb]
* [https://mosterd.org/pachelbel/scores/ricercares.pdf Ricercares in f#, C, c]
* [https://mosterd.org/pachelbel/scores/toccatas.pdf Toccatas in C (four), d (two), D, c, e, F (two), g (four)]

=== Bibliography ===
s.v. "Schwemmer, Heinrich." The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians, 29 vols., ed. Stanley Sadie. London: MacMillan Publishers, 2001. XXII, 877-878.

s.v. "Kerll, Johann Caspar." The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians, 29 vols., ed. Stanley Sadie. London: MacMillan Publishers, 2001. XIII, 491-593.

s.v. "Wecker, Georg Caspar." The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians, 29 vols., ed. Stanley Sadie. London: MacMillan Publishers, 2001. XXVII, 197-198.

Bach, J.S.: Ohrdruf. Online. 10/16/2001. <http://jan.ucc.nau.edu/~tas3/ohrdruf.html>.

Die Biographie von Johann Pachelbel. Online. 12/25/2006. <http://www.karadar.com/worterbuch/pachelbel.html>

Eggebrecht, Hans Heinrich. s.v. "Pachelbel, Johann." Die Musik In Geschichte Und Gegenwart, 14 vols. Kassel: Bärenreiter, 1962. X, 539-552.

Elliot, Jonathon. The Events In Pachelbel's Life. Online. 9/10/2001. <http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Aegean/3435/page2.html>.

Harnsberger, Lindsey. Essential Dictionary of Music. Los Angeles: Alfred Publishing Co., Inc., 1996. 27, 36-37.

Johann Pachelbel. Online. 9/10/2001. <http://courses.wcupa.edu/frichmon/mue330/spring2000/BockBill/>.

Johann Pachelbel. Online. 10/01/2001. <http://www.geocities.com/Vienna/1909/Pach_bio2.html>.

Johann Pachelbel. Online. 9/10/2001. <http://www.mfiles.co.uk/Composers/Johann_Pachelbel.htm<.

Kirchenlexicon: Pachelbel, Johann. Online 7/14/1998. <http://www.bautz.de/bbkl/p/pachelbel.shtml>.

Music Profiles: Johann Pachelbel. Online. 9/10/2001. <http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/profiles/print/pachelbel.shtml>.

No. 1189: Theodore Pachelbel. Online. 10/5/2001. <http://www.uh.edu/engines/epi1189.htm>.

Nolte, Ewald V., John Butt , et.al. s.v. "Pachelbel, Johann." The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians, 29 vols., ed. Stanley Sadie. London: MacMillan Publishers, 2001. XVIII, 846-857.

Organ Composers: Johann Pachelbel. Online. 9/10/2001. <http://www.byu.edu/music/areas/keyboard/Organ/composers/pachelbel>.

Pachelbel, Johann. Kanon und Gigue für drei Violinen mit Generalbass. Leipzig: F. Kistner & C.F.W. Siegel. 1929.

Pachelbel, Johann. Hexachordum Apollinis - Sex Arias Exhibens. New York: Performers' Facsimiles. 1998.

Pachelbel, Johann. Hexachordum Apollinis. Perf. John Butt. Harmonia Mundi, #907029, 1992.

Works List. Online. 10/01/2001. <http://www.geocities.com/Vienna/1909/Worksp.html>.

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Johann Pachelbel