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Donald Macleod unravels the rich musical legacy of a composer known almost exclusively for one iconic work: the "Canon in D". Today - the story of a period of deep grief for the composer...and Pachelbel's curious link to both dance music and hip-hop..

Johann Pachelbel (1653-1706) was one of the most exceptional musical minds of his generation - a composer of brilliant choral and keyboard music and a huge influence on JS Bach. Yet more than three centuries on, his reputation rests almost exclusively on one piece - his "Canon in D", one of the most famous pieces of classical music of our own age. This week, Donald Macleod delves deep into his world - exploring a raft of brilliant vocal and instrumental works, and putting to bed the myth of the "one-hit wonder". We also look more closely at the iconic Canon - in a variety of fascinating, sometimes surprising arrangements.

In today's episode Donald Macleod explores how the composer expressed in music his deep grief at the loss of his first wife and infant son in his unique collection "Musical Thoughts On Death". Plus, as he continues his journey through the diverse arrangements of the famous Canon - there's a curious connection to the world of 1990s "Madchester" dance music, and American West Coast hip-hop...

Hooton / Grimes (after Pachelbel): Altogether Now
The Farm

Jauchzet Gott, alle Lande
Cantus Cölln
Konrad Junghänel, conductor

Alle Menschen mussen sterben (Musicalische Sterbens-Gedancken)
Anton Batagov, piano

Wie nichtig? Ach, wie fluchtig!
Hans-Jörg Mammel, tenor
Gli incogniti

Von Himmel Hoch I; Meine Seele erhebet den Herren; Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern
Werner Jacob, organ

Suite a 4 in F Sharp Minor
London Baroque
Charles Medlam, director

Pachelbel / Ivey Jr / Aldridge / Straughter / Straughter: C U When U Get There
Coolio, featuring 40 Thevz