German composer Johann Pachelbel was a prolific writer but of all his works the most famous, and one of the most popular classical pieces, was his
Canon in D or simply,
Pachelbels Canon. It is a short piece and has become a mainstay of chamber orchestras and other ensembles throughout the world appearing in television advertisements and covered by contemporary musicians.
The repeating bass melody becomes the basis for a set of 28 variations with the instruments, in the original chamber setting, joining in gradually. Convention tends to be to play this at a moderate or slow tempo, rather than fast, to create a beautiful, moving and meditative work.
This version is set for Flute with Piano accompaniment, expertly realised by Keith Stent.