Meditations on Pachelbel's Canon

1	Intro 9:22
2	Meditation 1 5:25
3	Meditation 2 6:31
4	Meditation 3 6:01
5	Meditation 4 5:08
6	Meditation 5 8:40
7	Finale 7:21

Barnes & Noble

Even if you don't know it by name, you'll surely recognize Pachelbel's sublime Canon in D -- its gentle, hypnotic theme anchored by the steady ballast of the bass line. In these "meditations," Victor Friedberg expands the orchestral original with catchy dance grooves and other exotic trance-inducers. The classically trained Friedberg studied electronic music was mentored by avant-garde master John Cage. Through electronic wizardry, he weaves Pachelbel's music with Indian tabla, Balinese gamelan, piano, African percussion, ethnic flutes, chanted prayers, orchestra bells, and the stellar voice of British diva Jennifer Rhys Davies. When Friedberg finally brings the orchestra back to the fore, the canon's inner strength is appreciated all the more. The seven pieces trance trippily, building to a victoriously rousing African/gospel chorus, then a delicate piano solo ends the album by recapturing the peaceful essence of Pachelbel's original. Purists may object to Friedberg's musical inventions on this classic, but daring listeners who fling themselves into these meditations will emerge transformed. Have fun with it. Carol Wright

All Music Guide

Continuo's Meditations on Pachelbel's Canon takes the well-known piece and reimagines its melodic motifs in a variety of musical settings with choirs, ethnic percussion ensembles, new age-style piano, lush synthesizer treatments, and more. Obviously, one has to really enjoy the piece to enjoy this project, but its many fans may find a few revelations here. Steve Huey