I've been following this thread for a while, but couldn't add anything you guys hadn't already said. But I just want to say thanks for those links in the last few posts, I hadn't realised how much marvellous stuff was out there! And as Tootler implied this music was written not so much to be listened to as to be played; it makes your fingers itch when you hear it!
Incidentally the Pachabel canon (http://imslp.org/wiki/Canon_and_Gigue_in_D_major_(Pachelbel,_Johann)), is appearing on the folk scene, although in true folk fashion it never sounds quite the same twice.
Regarding its speed, I wouldn't think it should go too fast, as it's followed by a (not very inspiring) jig!