London Baroque - Johann Pachelbel: Musique De Chambre (1995)

Johann Pachelbel (1653-1706), was better-known as an organist than an important Baroque composer during his life time, though he was a prolific and influential composer. It is said that his organ chorales preludes and his fugues had an influence on Johann Sebastian Bach. Pachelbel held the position of organist in several churches and cathedrals in Austria and Germany. While most of his compositions were for the organ, he also wrote some chamber and vocal music.
This CD contains a number of his important chamber music pieces: 6 'partiten' (sometimes called 'sonatas' or 'suites'), for 2 violins and bass conintue, 3 'partiten' : one for 5 and 2 for 4 instruments, and the famous Canon & Gigue; all played by the London Baroque ensemble, and recorded on Harmonia Mundi.
The six sonatas/suites were printed together around 1695 under the title "Musicalische Ergotzung" (Musical Delight). They are for 2 'scordatura' violins and bass continuo. The Italian term 'scordatura' means 'mistuned'. This was a technique, very popular among Baroque composers, by which string instruments were tuned in a manner allowing players to produce notes otherwise difficult on regularly tuned instruments. The rather short suites are in several movements, with a sonata at the beginning of each. They are all dance music.
The 3 suites for various instruments are also in several movements, with a sonata or sonatina at the beginning of each. They are also all dance music, but sometimes with a rather melancholy mood.
The Canon & Gigue are for 3 violins and bass continuo.
The music is delightful, mostly in counterpoint (as most of his compositions), and typically baroque; played marvelously by the London Baroque. The sound quality is excellent.