4 pieces:
I Toccata & fugue in Bflat major POP286
II Prelude & fugue in E minor POP257
III Fantasia in G minor POP114
IV Fantasia in E flat major POP113
Clefs
Treble, bass
Meters
C
Key signatures
2b, 1#, 1b
Range
Horn 1: a - g2
Horn 2: B - c2
Horn 3: g - f2
Horn 4: F - a1
Creator's Comments
Performance Notes
The first volume of Music of Pachelbel contains some of the composer's main organ works. A quick comparison between the key(s) named in the title(s) and the key signature(s) listed, reveals that all four works were transposed into horn pitch, meaning they look exactly the same as the original (only with bits distributed among four players).
Slightly off topic: Attentive readers will notice the missing, corresponding key signature for E flat major (3b). Actually the G minor fantasia also has the wrong key signature - both have one flat less than they should. This is most likely due to the source material - the scores over at the International Music Score Library Project, IMSLP, have exactly the same fault. The original, editorial error has been transferred to the arrangement.
The easiest way to describe these works is to compare them o similar output by Bach, with perhaps more improvisatory (though written out) freedom in Pachelbel. Lynsdale-Nock didn't shy away from fast looking passages, which then, more often than not, turn out very playable due to the slow tempo marking.
The parts are divided strictly into a 1-3-2-4 system, in terms of prominence, tessitura, and even difficulty. That said, every voice is interesting, especially in the fugues, and long notes are usually succeeded by some form of moving line. The dynamics are fairly limited,and hence rather faithful to the original instrument, but this is hardly noticeable as the main interest lies in the motivic development within the voices.
And no, the famous Canon is not part of this set, but without doubt it will appear in one of (or the) following volumes. The missing accidentals in the key (see note above) are slightly irritating for purists, however will probably not be missed by many others. Overall this is a good set of non-Bach Bach music, and comes recommended to very ambitious beginner, all intermediate, and advanced quartets looking to expand the repertoire with well arranged music.
Credits
Provision of review score: John Lynsdale-Nock (Corniworld)