Long-Forgotten Bach Compositions Presented for First-Ever Performance in Three Centuries

Historical organ composition
The composer is considered to have composed the pair of organ works early in his career

Previously unknown organ works by Johann Sebastian Bach have been revealed and executed in the European nation for the first time in over three centuries.

The country's Minister of Culture the cultural official called the discovery of the two pieces a "significant occasion for the global music scene".

They originally drew interest of Peter Wollny in 1992 when he was organizing Bach manuscripts at the Royal Library of Belgium.

The organ pieces - the D minor Chaconne and G minor Chaconne - were without dates and unsigned. Mr Wollny spent the subsequent thirty years working to confirm the origin of the pieces.

Memorable Concert

They were presented at the historic Leipzig church in the German city, where Bach is interred and where he served as a cantor for 27 years.

The compositions were executed by Dutch organist the renowned organist, who said he was honored to be able to play them for the initial performance in three hundred twenty years.

He said the pieces were "remarkably sophisticated" and would be "a great asset for organists today, as they are also suitable for reduced-scale organs".

Musical Importance

They are believed to have been created at the beginning of Bach's professional life, when he was working as an organ instructor in the community of the German town in Thuringia.

The scholar, who is now the head of the musical archive in the municipality, said they demonstrated several features particular to the composer.

"Musically, the pieces also feature elements that can be found in Bach's works from this period, but not in those of different artists," he said.

They are considered to have been recorded in 1705 by Bach's apprentice, the historical figure.

At a presentation of the works, the expert said he was "virtually certain that the composer had created the two compositions" and they have now been added into the official catalogue of his compositions.

Associated Topics:
  • European Arts
  • Germany
  • Orchestral works
  • Musical Arts
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James Rodriguez

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