Lost Bach Pieces Performed for First Time in Three Centuries

Historical organ composition
The composer is believed to have created the pair of organ works during his early years

Previously unknown musical pieces by Johann Sebastian Bach have been presented and performed in the central European country for the initial occasion in over three centuries.

The country's Culture Minister Wolfram Weimer called the finding of the pair of works a "great moment for the global music scene".

They first caught the attention of a musical scholar in the early nineties when he was organizing historical musical documents at the Brussels archive.

The musical compositions - the D minor Chaconne and Chaconne in G minor - were without dates and without attribution. The scholar spent the following three decades working to authenticate the identity of the pieces.

Memorable Concert

They were performed at the Thomas Church in the German city, where the composer is buried and where he worked as a cantor for 27 years.

The two pieces were performed by Dutch musician the renowned organist, who said he was honored to be able to play them for the initial performance in over three centuries.

He said the works were "exceptionally well-crafted" and would be "a great asset for organists today, as they are also suitable for more compact instruments".

Historical Significance

They are considered to have been written at the beginning of Bach's professional life, when he was working as an organ teacher in the town of the German town in Thuringia.

Mr Wollny, who is now the leader of the musical archive in Leipzig, said they exhibited several characteristics unique to the composer.

"Musically, the compositions also contain aspects that can be observed in Bach's compositions from that era, but not in those of other musicians," he said.

They are believed to have been recorded in the early eighteenth century by one of Bach's pupils, the historical figure.

At a presentation of the works, Mr Wollny said he was "almost completely confident that Bach had composed the two compositions" and they have now been included into the official catalogue of his works.

Related Categories:
  • Europe
  • German Culture
  • Orchestral works
  • Music
Erica Rice
Erica Rice

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