Pachelbel's first published collection of works was titled Musicalische Sterbens-Gedanken (Musical Thoughts on Death), and all his subsequent compositions were meditations on overcoming death.
Instruments
Anton Batagov, the pianist on this recording, performs on a Steinway model C piano from 1880.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded live in Princeton on January 18, 2025, during the Dalet Concert Series.
Composer Biography
Johann Pachelbel, a German composer and organist, experienced a personal tragedy when his wife and son died of plague shortly after his marriage.
Compositional Technique
Pachelbel's music is structured with endless variations on simple chord sequences, a compositional technique that was revived in the 20th century as 'minimalism.'
