Majestic recording of Johann Pachelbel Magnificat
To the general public, Johann Pachelbel is a one-hit-wonder. To his contemporaries in Germany, he was much more — and recordings such as this help us understand why.
During his lifetime, Pachelbel was renowned as an organist and a composer. He was especially adept at counterpoint, something he passed on to his students. One of them was Johann Christoph Bach, Johann Sebastian’s older brother.
This collection of Magnificats shows Pachelbel’s facility for fugal writing, albeit different than what his pupil’s younger brother would come up with decades later.
The Himlische Cantorey, directed by Jan Kobow has a fine ensemble sound. The choruses have clearly defined lines, throwing the counterpoint in sharp relief.
The instrumental forces used are an added bonus. In addition to organ and strings, we also hear brass and tympani. These are indeed majestic magnificats!
Also included is the Missa in D major. This is a Lutheran mass and only consists of a Kyrie Elison, Gloria, and Credo. Pachelbel adheres to the Protestant ideal of simplicity and straightforward expression. Nevertheless, individual voices weave effortlessly together in polyphonic perfection. But never so much as to obscure the text!
Most of Pachelbel’s positions involved providing music for worship. This album helps provide a picture of what Pachelbel the church musician provided on a regular basis, and a welcome balance to the anomaly of the Canon.
Johann Pachelbel: Magnificat
Himlische Cantorey; Jan Kobow, director
CPO
