Pachel-Rebellion

We’ve discussed Pachelbel’s annoying Canon, one of the most loved and hated of works.  Here’s a version I can almost get behind.  This is played by some early music specialists (who are good when they stick to early music) in a way Pachelbel would recognize, and unlike the arrangement you usually hear, it actually moves along.  On the other hand, the lush, syrupy version heard in waiting rooms, elevators, and businesses seeking an ambience of upscale exclusivity, is a 1960’s arrangement by the French conductor Jean-François Paillard.  It doesn’t move; it  just sits there and oozes.  And it takes way too long considering it’s the same damn thing over and over.  It’s a heavily romanticized take on a baroque piece, sort of equivalent to Muzak Beatles.

When the early music version was released, some purchasers angrily returned it because they wanted the jewelry store version.

While writing this, I was trying to remember what TV ads featured the Canon.  I incorrectly remembered it as being in one of the  Grey Poupon ads.  A quick YouTube search revealed that one of those ads used part of one of Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos.  When I arrive in the Great Beyond, J.S. Bach is going to KICK MY ASS.  Because the Canon is still trash; it’s just way better trash when played fast.