composed by Pachelbel
Johann Pachelbel is best known for this Canon, which is sometimes called “Pachelbel’s canon”. This piece is very beautiful and brimful of glee. It is for three violins and basso continuo. Playing a violin part is so enjoyable, however, violoncello part is boring. It is repetition of only two bars.
- Three Violins & Cello (original)
- Three Violins & Viola
- String Quaret (arr. 2 Violins, Viola & Violoncello)
In this arrangement (String Quaret), Violoncello and Viola take charge of part of basso continuo. When viola plays basso continuo, violoncello plays a melody part, and vice versa. Four plays could enjoy playing this beautiful music!
The diagram below compares the cello part in the original piece and this arrangement. The top part (black notes) shows the original, while the bottom part (pink notes) shows this arrangement.
Compared to the original cello part, which is quite dull, you can see that this arrangement gives the cello more active moments.
If you were a violin player inviting a cellist to join the performance, wouldn’t you hesitate to hand them the original cello part?