Pachelbel's Canon, Mallet Percussion Quintet

Pachelbel's Canon

Mallet Percussion Quintet

Composed by Eric C W Peel

Moderate-Advanced · 4 mins, 10s

$20.00

This arrangement has a higher tempo than most arrangements of Pachelbel’s Canon on the market. However, it’s believed by many that this tempo is closer to the original intended by Pachelbel. When the piece regained in popularity in the middle of the 20th century, the tempo was said to be slowed significantly, and to be romanticized for weddings. It is up to the desires and purpose of the performance, but nearly any tempo is acceptable for this arrangement...

The key is in Db because modern Db (at A442) sounds close to D (at A415) of the Baroque era. This key also sounds relatively warmer than modern D, and due to the difference in sound of most other Canon performances, may strike unexpected but immediate interest of the listener.

Marimbas 1-3 mimic the three violin parts of the original string quartet. Each has almost the exact same part, offset by 2 bars. Although for this arrangement, some dynamics have been adjusted for increased effect. The bass marimba mimics the cello. All marimba rolls are to be played with a soft start and end to mimic the way a skilled string musician can shape notes and chords with a bow.

The original string quartet could have been accompanied by a harpsichord, a common instrument of the Baroque era. So, medium-hard mallets were chosen for the vibraphone to mimic the attack sound of a harpsichord. Chords are arpeggiated to further mimic the harpsichord.

Also special to the vibraphone part are the mallet mutes. Instead of using the pedal, notes and chords are selectively muted to allow richer harmony from a usually harmony-limited instrument. A challenge to perform, but a much rewarded one when surmounted.

This quartet was originally written for 3 4.3-Octave Marimbas, Bass Marimba, and a 4-Octave Vibraphone. The bass marimba and marimba 3 parts may conveniently share the same instrument, which may help suit the needs of schools with no bass marimba available. Marimbas 1-3 may also be performed on any combination of marimbas, xylophones or vibraphones to again accommodate the needs of your school. Also included is a version of the piece in A Major to suit the needs of those who do not have access to extended range (i.e. 5-octave) or bass marimbas. Need a different arrangement? See here.

WHAT YOU GET...