Johann Pachelbel

Composer

Birthday September 1, 1653

Birth Sign Virgo

Birthplace Nuremberg, Germany

DEATH DATE Mar 9, 1706 (52)

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About

Baroque composer and organist known for "Canon in D" and for his contributions to the south German organ tradition. He has been named one of the most important contributors to the middle Baroque era for his fugue and chorale prelude pieces.

Before Fame

He studied music at the University of Altdorf, beginning in 1669, but had to leave without completing even a year because of finances.

Trivia

He composed numerous works for chorales, choirs, and keyboards, some of which--"Chaconne in F minor," "Toccata in E minor," and the "Hexachordum Apollinis"--are still frequently performed.

Family Life

He fathered six children, three sons, and three daughters with his wife Judith Drommer.

Associated With

His masterpiece "Canon in D" was used extensively in the 1980 film "Ordinary People" starring Donald Sutherland.