Comments on: The Pachelbel Canon in D: What You Probably Don’t Know

By: Brides Deserve Better Advice From Wedding Music Guides - Wedding Music Unveiled

Brides Deserve Better Advice From Wedding Music Guides - Wedding Music Unveiled — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 00:52:39 +0000

[...] just about every wedding and wedding music guide (printed and web sites alike) recommends Pachelbel’s Canon in D, which then gets used in most weddings, we’re supposed to believe that it’s because of a previous [...]

By: Other Pachelbel Music Suggestions For Your Wedding Ceremony - Wedding Music Unveiled

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 11:31:54 +0000

[...] It turns out that Pachelbel was a prolific composer, having written a significant amount of music, much of it sacred music for the church, and much of it secular chamber music, such as the famous Canon. See this article for more on Pachelbel and his music. [...]

By: Why Are Good Wedding Songs So Hard To Find? — Wedding Music Unveiled

Why Are Good Wedding Songs So Hard To Find? — Wedding Music Unveiled — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 11:03:23 +0000

[...] Maybe there’s just less music out there. Most of the music used in church wedding ceremonies wasn’t written for weddings. Its tradition for use in weddings has evolved over time. Even Pachelbel’s famous Canon in D was not written as wedding music and didn’t become popular in weddings until late in the 20th century (see this article). [...]

By: Steve

Steve — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 01:03:17 +0000

Hi, Stephanie!
Thanks for leaving a comment. I’m glad you find this website a valuable tool. I think you’re absolutely correct in pointing out that “it really depends on the capabilities of my organist … and my taste.” As Dave also pointed out, we want to encourage the use of fresh music and get the bride to at least consider thinking “outside the box.” However, there’s plenty in the box. And something overused can still be considered “special” in a wedding. Brides have a ton of details to sift through when planning a wedding and music is typically not one of the top details. So regardless of the musical selections, the musician needs to be the person to one, offer suggestions, but also two, accept the bride’s choices and play those pieces as though they were written specifically for that bride’s special day. Thanks again! Keep the comments coming!

By: dave

dave — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 22:15:42 +0000

Hi Stephanie and thanks for the feedback!

I do intend to continue featuring specific pieces of music. This particular piece is one that has a love-hate relationship with people which is important to highlight. Some people need a little extra encouragement that it’s OK to look beyond the obvious choices for a special piece of music. Whenever you see a recommendation against overused music, which I always try to approach from the bride’s point of view, not the musician’s, I try to make sure it’s accompanied by something along the lines of “but if it is the perfect piece of music for you, then please use it”.

Thanks again for your comment and your support!

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 20:29:10 +0000

Some people strive to be different. Some people don’t.

I suppose many musicians can fall into the “striving to be different” category, which can make sense for their desire not to play overused music.

But a lot of brides out there have other top priorities, and the one’s who do care will take the time to search out “something different”

I like your website and consider it an awesome tool to find music. But PLEASE stop telling me not to use Pachelbel’s Canon. It really depends on the capabilities of my chosen organist along with my taste. I obviously know it is overused…but I honestly wouldn’t care if I have an overused song playing at my wedding….just look at most wedding dances!!!!

maybe in the future you could have different pieces in a spotlight, instead of reminding me how overused pachelbel’s canon is. (i just received the 2-4-10 email….which is about to make me discontinue with your posts…..)

By: Steve

Steve — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 02:03:18 +0000

Nice comments! Yes, I Cor 13 is certainly overused, and the context of that passage isn’t even about weddings, it’s about using one’s spiritual gifts wisely in the church. Oh, well, that’s an article all by itself! While the Canon in D is certainly overused, I agree with you that ultimately the couple chooses their wedding music, and if they want the Canon, well, then there it is! From the musician’s standpoint, though the piece is overused, there are so many variations of it that the musician can still enjoy playing it. And for the creative musician, we can also improvise and “jazz it up.” In my experience, couples (and the wedding guests) like the fresh interpretations. I’m curious if, in your experience, you’ve only played it straight, or if you’ve added some of your own personality to it, and people’s reaction to your interpretation??

By: Mindy

Mindy — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 20:34:08 +0000

Agreed!
I had forgotten to mention that the coupe using it in March were slightly embarrassed for using it (they know it’s overused too), but they love it and we support love =-)
On another note…I bet I could play it even today, 30 years since intermediate strings (but not well, lol)!

By: dave

dave — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 20:06:48 +0000

Thanks for the comment!

The Canon in D is certainly considered overused from a vendor perspective (a lot musicians are convinced they could sleep through it and still play it well), but the vendor or musicians’ perspectives aren’t relevant (to the points in this article) as you mention. Brides and couples shouldn’t choose their music to please their professionals.

Nor should they choose the music to entertain their guests (who will probably hear the Canon in D at most weddings they attend each year).

By: Mindy

Mindy — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 19:53:49 +0000

Interesting! Small wedding in March will use this piece of music. Overused from a vendor perspective maybe, but it’s not our wedding is it? If you want to talk about overused, let’s talk about 1 Corinthians 13. Sigh.