Long-Forgotten Bach Compositions Presented for First Time in Three Centuries

Historical organ composition
Bach is considered to have written the two compositions during his early years

Previously unknown musical pieces by Johann Sebastian Bach have been unveiled and executed in the European nation for the first time in three hundred twenty years.

Germany's Culture Minister the government representative labeled the finding of the two compositions a "significant occasion for the global music scene".

They initially attracted notice of Peter Wollny in 1992 when he was organizing historical musical documents at the Royal Library of Belgium.

The organ pieces - the Chaconne composition in D minor and G minor composition - were undated and without attribution. The scholar spent the next 30 years working to authenticate the identity of the pieces.

Memorable Concert

They were played at the Thomas Church in Leipzig, where Bach is interred and where he worked as a music director for 27 years.

The two pieces were performed by Dutch organist Ton Koopman, who said he was honored to be able to play them for the first time in three hundred twenty years.

He said the compositions were "of a very high quality" and would be "a great asset for modern musicians, as they are also appropriate for smaller organs".

Cultural Relevance

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

The researcher, who is now the head of the Bach Archive in the city, said they demonstrated several characteristics unique to the composer.

"Musically, the compositions also feature aspects that can be found in Bach's works from that time, but not in those of other musicians," he said.

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

At a presentation of the compositions, the researcher said he was "virtually certain that the composer had created the two pieces" and they have now been included into the official catalogue of his musical output.

Associated Topics:
  • European Culture
  • German Culture
  • Orchestral works
  • Musical Arts
Felicia Richard
Felicia Richard

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