Pachebell's Cannon
An interactive technology demonstration where bouncing balls play notes from Pachelbel's Canon — music through physics.
Inspired by MoMath
This project was inspired by an exhibit at the Museum of Mathematics (MoMath) that beautifully demonstrated the connection between physics and Pachelbel's famous note sequence. We've recreated and expanded on this concept to create an interactive web experience.
About the Demo
Pachebell's Cannon is an interactive technology demonstration where players create lines on a canvas to guide bouncing balls. Each time a ball bounces, it plays a note from Pachelbel's Canon in D, creating a unique musical and visual experience.
This project showcases how mathematical concepts, physics simulations, and musical composition can come together to create something both educational and entertaining.
Interactive Features
Draw Interactive Lines
Create lines on the canvas that serve as bouncing surfaces for the physics simulation.
Musical Physics
Each ball bounce triggers a note from Pachelbel's Canon, creating music through physics.
Free to Play
Available online for free — no downloads or installations required.
Educational Value
Demonstrates concepts in physics, mathematics, and music theory through interactive play.
Cross-Platform
Works on all modern web browsers across desktop, tablet, and mobile devices.
Open-Ended Exploration
Experiment with different line configurations to create unique musical patterns.
How It Works
- 1Use your mouse or finger to draw lines on the canvas
- 2Release balls that will bounce off your created lines
- 3Each bounce triggers a note from Pachelbel's Canon in D
- 4Experiment with different line configurations to create unique musical patterns
- 5Experience the beautiful intersection of physics, mathematics, and music!
What You'll Learn
About Pachelbel's Canon
Pachelbel's Canon in D is one of the most famous pieces of Baroque music, composed by Johann Pachelbel around 1680. The piece is known for its mathematical structure and repetitive harmonic progression that creates a mesmerizing musical experience.
This demo uses the canonical note sequence to demonstrate how mathematical patterns in music can be visualized and experienced through interactive physics simulation.
Experience Music Through Physics
Discover the beautiful connection between mathematics, physics, and music.
Try Pachebell's CannonHave a project like this one?
We'd be glad to talk through your goals, your constraints, and whether we're the right team for the work.