Canon in D music box
For many couples, Canon in D is the walk down the aisle. A drawer that plays it is a small, everyday reminder of that moment.
- Tune
- Canon in D
- Composer
- Johann Pachelbel
- Origin
- Late 17th century
The story behind the tune
Johann Pachelbel (1653–1706) wrote the Canon for three violins over a repeating bass line, probably in the late 1600s. The exact date is unknown, and for centuries the piece was largely forgotten.
It was rediscovered in the 20th century, and a 1968 recording by Jean-François Paillard’s orchestra helped turn it into a worldwide favourite. Its repeating chord pattern is now one of the most borrowed progressions in popular music, and it is a fixture at weddings.
How it sounds on a music box
The piece is built in layers over the same repeating chords, so even a simplified version keeps its warm, building feeling. Final arrangements for the Musical Drawer are still being developed.
Lovely for
- Wedding and anniversary gifts
- A couple’s bedside drawer
- Engagement presents