All-Inclusive Theme from Pachelbel's Canon in D -- Score and Parts + audio

When Pachelbel wrote his beautiful Canon in D in 1680, he discriminated viciously against the cellists and violists in his local orchestra, scoring his masterpiece for 3 violins and basso continuo.

My All-Inclusive Theme from Canon in D reverses centuries of injustice, offering cellists and violists the world over the opportunity to join the violins as partners, getting their shot at Pachelbel’s wonderful melody. 

I simplified and abridged the theme for beginning string players. Extended positions and shifting are almost entirely eliminated and meter is adjusted to simplify notation.

This a flexible arrangement, playable in a wide variety of formats: a single solo instrument with chording accompaniment, a duo in two-part canon, or a larger string ensemble in a multi-part canon. 

I’ve written continuo parts for every instrument -- violin, viola, cello and bass. The burden of the infamously repetitive 8-bar basso continuo part is now available for everyone to shoulder. 

Here is a reference audio recording of the arrangement (mp3,) featuring two cellos in canon.