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The other day in church, the choir sang a version of one of our traditional hymns set to the music of Johann Pachabel’s “Cannon in D”. It was very beautiful and calming, and since I have been working a lot on FotoFamilyMemories.com late, it got me to thinking.

According to Wikipedia, a cannon is:

…a contrapuntal composition that employs a melody with one or more imitations of the melody played after a given duration (e.g. quarter rest, one measure, etc.). The initial melody is called the leader, while the imitative melody is called the follower which is played in a different voice. The follower must be created from the leader by being either an exact replication of the rhythms and intervals of the leader, or a transformation of such…

So, in other words, a musical cannon is a melody that gets repeated over and over again with different instruments or in different styles. The chords are the same, but you never know how they will be dressed up next. Perhaps the most famous cannon is Johann (Paco) Pacabel’s “Canon in D major”, or as it is formally called “Canon and Gigue in D major for three Violins with Bass Accompaniment”. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pachelbel’s_Canon)

What struck me most about Pachabel’s “Cannon” was it’s versatility. I like that so many people are able to take his original cannon and express themselves by making it their own. I am not talking about people who go and record it in their style of music, adding a few bee-bops or drum rolls; rather, they are able to totally remake the song in their own style. I mean, Pachabel’s “Cannon” is played by classical orchestras in its original form, then played as a wedding march, a graduation commencement march, and a Christmas carol. Furthermore, it has been incorporated into modern Rock, Rap and R&B Ballads.

On the next couple of pages, I have linked to various examples of how the Pachbel’s melody has been adapted to different musical styles, from classical to rock and rap. Then, on the last page, I will present Comedian Rob Paravonian’s “Pachabel Rant.” Apparently, not everyone is a fan of the 17th Century classic. I have to warn you though. Aside from being over the top exciting, the next couple of pages are band width hogs…so, if you have a slow connection, or YouTube is blocked by your proxy (you know who you are, you people slacking off at the office ;-), don’t go any further. For the rest of you dare devils, Mr. Pacabel awaits you.

Read on and enjoy! (Page two might take a couple of minutes to load if you have a slow connection.)

Watch as people show off their “Paco” Power:

On page three, find out why not everyone is in love with Paco’s

Apparently not everyone likes Pachabel’s “Cannon”. Take a minute to listen to comedian Rob Paravonian’s “Pachabel’s Rant”, as posted on YouTube. [NOTE: The language gets a little salty near the end of the montage (D****, A** and H***), so if you are easily offended, don't listen.]

According to Wikipedia, here is a list of the songs cited by Rob in his rant…
* Creed - One Last Breath†
* Vitamin C - Graduation
* Aerosmith - Cryin’
* Original Caste - One Tin Soldier
* Blues Traveler - Hook
* Green Day - Basket Case
* Matchbox 20 - Push
* Better Than Ezra - Good (song)
* Bush - Machine Head
* U2 - With or Without You
* Natalie Imbruglia - Torn
* Avril Lavigne - Sk8er Boi
* Twisted Sister - We’re Not Gonna Take It
* Laverne & Shirley Theme Song
* Bob Marley - No Woman, No Cry
* The Beatles - Let It Be

So. What did you think about Pachabel’s “Cannon in D.” Drop me a note and let me know.

-Texaiano

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