Thematic Catalogue of the Musical Works of Johann Pachelbel

This Catalogue provides scholars and performers with a survey of the breadth and variety of the repertoire of the composer whom Christoph Wolff describes as “one of the most seminal and influential musicians of the pre-Bach generation in Germany.” Pachelbel composed the majority of his 527 works for keyboard instruments, as well as choral, vocal, and chamber music. The Catalogue presents incipits for each that can be identified. The list of works is intended to determine the totality of the corpus and knowledge about it, to determine the best means of identifying each work, and to settle problems of identity among similarly titled works. An essay on authorities examines the controversies of authenticity of Pachelbel manuscripts.

Liberally footnoted and meticulously compiled, the Catalogue is invaluable to those familiar with Pachelbel's compositions and will create new interest.

Review Excerpts

Recommended. (CHOICE)

…this is a beautifully detailed and lovingly constructed project. The work radiates the warmth and dedication of its author and editor from cover to cover. This is more than a music reference tool; it is a creation with both a heart and a soul. (Music Reference Services Quarterly)

Perreault has made a valuable contribution for anyone wishing to explore German instrumental or vocal music from the generation immediately preceding Johann Sebastian Bach…. Should libraries purchase this catalog? Certainly. (vol. 61 Notes: Quarterly Journal of the Music Library Association, JUNE 2005)

…a substantial work that is thoroughly researched, extremely well-documented, and very user-friendly…Perreault provides an excellent reference for librarians helping students or students helping themselves. The comprehensive and informative source would make a fine addition to any music library. (Fontes Artis Musicae, Vol. 54, No. 1)

This [book] will surely earn [Perreault] the gratitude of scores of scholars and performers for spreading out before them the broad spectrum of Pachelbel's output, for making his music much more accessible than it has ever been, and for inviting them to participate in a problem-conscious, critical, and―yes―exciting survey of the rich and varied Pachelbel repertoire. (Christoph Wolff (from the Foreword), William Powell Mason Professor of Music, Harvard University)