Johann Pachelbel: Biography, Music & Facts

Pachelbel as Organist

Johann Pachelbel

Johann Pachelbel was baptized September 1, 1653 in Nürnberg (in modern-day Germany), which was in his day a thriving, cultural imperial city of the Holy Roman Empire. He studied music with composer Heinrich Schwemmer and attended the Altdorf, a university on the outskirts of Nürnberg, for one year. He then traveled to Regensburg where he studied composition and organ with the prominent musician, Kaspar Prentz. Young Johann clearly did well in his studies. In 1673, at the age of twenty, he received the position of deputy organist at the prestigious St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna, Austria.

This proved to be just the beginning of an illustrious organ career. St. Stephen's was followed by positions throughout Germany: the Eisenach Court, where he met Johann Sebastian Bach's father; Erfurt, where he met Johann Sebastian's older brother Johann Christoph; Stuttgart; and Gotha.

Pachelbel's most important appointment came towards the end of his life. In 1695, he was invited to assume the position of head organist at St. Sebaldus Church in Nürnberg, his hometown. He returned home having achieved great acclaim for his organ skills throughout German-speaking Europe. In addition to his organist duties, he taught organ lessons to young aspiring musicians.

St. Sebaldus Church

Pachelbel as Composer

As Pachelbel spent much of his life playing the organ for worship services, both Catholic and Protestant, most of his compositions were for that purpose. He composed numerous pieces for Catholic worship; motets, Magnificats, and masses. However, it is the chorale prelude used in Protestant worship at which Pachelbel excelled.

Chorales were hymns sung by the congregation. They used texts that related to the day's sermon. Chorale preludes were organ pieces that served as an introduction to the chorale. The composer ornamented the chorale melody and 'fancied it up' a bit. Pachelbel was so skilled in discovering new ways to decorate the chorale tune that his preludes would inspire two great composer-organists, Dietrich Buxtehude and Johann Sebastian Bach.

A chorale prelude by Pachelbel. The chorale melody is the top line.

Pachelbel also composed secular music. He wrote numerous suites for harpsichord, sonatas for violin, and variations on popular melodies for many different instruments. His most important work is the Hexachordum Apollinis, a collection of six arias with variations for harpsichord or organ. His most famous work is the well-known Canon in D for three violins and basso continuo. If you've attended any wedding in the past twenty years, you've probably heard this piece. Its lasting popularity is a wonderful testament to Pachelbel's talent as a composer.

Pachelbel as Family Man

In addition to composing and serving as organist, Pachelbel led a busy family life. After his first wife and child died, Pachelbel remarried and had seven children. He must have taught his family music and encouraged other artistic pursuits, as several of his children became successful musicians and artists in their own right. His son Wilhelm Hieronymous was an accomplished organist and composer, and assumed the organist position at St. Sebaldus upon Johann's death. Another son, Carl Theodorus, emigrated to the Americas and held organist positions in Rhode Island and South Carolina.

The tomb of Johann Pachelbel in Nuremberg. Note the inscription mentions his influence on Johann Sebastian Bach.

Johann Pachelbel died somewhat young, at the age of 52 in early March of 1706. He left behind hundreds of works that would influence German composers for years to come. He left a family legacy of talented children who would continue to disseminate his music and ideas in many different countries. Fortunately for us today, he also left the Pachelbel Canon that will continue to delight listeners for generations.

Lesson Review

Born in 1653 in Nürnberg, Johann Pachelbel would become one of the important organists and composers of the German Baroque. He composed in many genres but was particularly accomplished with organ music. His chorale preludes became a model for subsequent composers to follow. He held many different organist positions throughout his life, ending his illustrious career back in his hometown of Nürnberg at St. Sebaldus. Pachelbel died in 1706 and was buried at St. Sebaldus.