As wedding traditions evolve, it becomes increasingly common to walk down the aisle to sappy, chart-toppers by Ed Sheeran or wistful acoustic covers of classic rock hits. How the singular piece of centuries-old classical music has transcended time and geographies to secure its status as one of the most popular wedding songs in Western society is a story where pop culture, music theory and imagination converge. Whatever the circumstances, what is widely considered the oldest existing manuscript of the piece is a 19th-century copy in Germany at the Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin, or Berlin State Library. Sisman said, until, she added, a modern edition of the sheet music was published in the 20th century, a period of rediscovery for baroque music, including that of Pachelbel and Vivaldi. Sisman said.

Why Cellists (and Musicians in General) Hate Pachelbel’s Canon in D
That Terrible Bass Line
Although it was composed about —90, the piece was not published until the early 20th century. The piece begins with one melody in the ground bass—typically performed by a cello and a harpsichord or organ. That melody is then repeated in different registers and instrumental parts while other melodies are added, usually in the upper registers. It was included in numerous television and film sound tracks—notably that of the film Ordinary People —and became a standard in general collections of classical music. It also became a common feature of wedding celebrations, especially in the United States. Pachelbel's Canon. Article Media.
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It is perhaps one of the most famous baroque pieces that almost anyone — classical music fan or not — can hum without help. And yet, it is also one of the most hated by musicians themselves, particularly cellists. But why? Typically, one instrument or voice starts the melody and other parts then join in.
Neither the date nor the circumstances of its composition are known suggested dates range from to , and the oldest surviving manuscript copy of the piece dates from the 19th century. Like his other works, Pachelbel's Canon, although popular during his lifetime, [ not verified in body ] went out of style, and remained in obscurity for centuries. Since the s, it has also been used frequently in weddings and funeral ceremonies in the Western world. The canon was originally scored for three violins and basso continuo and paired with a gigue. Both movements are in the key of D major.