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Introduction To The Composer | Johann Pachelbel

Johann Pachelbel was born sometime in August 1653 in Nuremberg, Germany. The only known official date regarding his birth is his baptism on September 1st.   

Pachelbel is considered a significant and important predecessor of Johann Sebastian Bach, and Bach was said to be heavily influenced by Pachelbel.  

While working as an organist at the Predigerkirche, he came into contact with members of the Bach family, and was even godfather to one of Johann Sebastian Bach’s sisters. He also gave music lessons to Johann Christoph Bach, who later taught Johann Sebastian.

During his career, Pachelbel was best known for his organ music for the Protestant church, he also composed cantatas, masses, arias, and chamber music.

His most recognized composition, his Canon and Gigue in D major,  sometimes called “Pachelbel’s Canon”, is famous to this day, and often used in wedding ceremonies.

Pachelbel lost his wife and infant son to the plague, and remarried, going on to raise a family of seven children.

Johann Pachelbel passed away on March 6, 1706 in Nuremberg, Germany at the age of 52.

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