Lost Johann Sebastian Bach Compositions Presented for First Time in Over Three Centuries
Recently identified organ works by Johann Sebastian Bach have been unveiled and executed in Germany for the premiere performance in 320 years.
The nation's Culture Minister the government representative called the discovery of the pair of works a "important event for the musical community".
They first caught the attention of a Bach researcher in 1992 when he was cataloguing the composer's papers at the Royal Library of Belgium.
The musical compositions - the D minor Chaconne and G minor composition - were undated and without attribution. The scholar spent the next 30 years working to confirm the authorship of the pieces.
Memorable Concert
They were performed at the historic Leipzig church in the German city, where the composer is laid to rest and where he was employed as a music director for over two decades.
The two pieces were executed by Dutch musician the renowned organist, who said he was honored to be able to play them for the premiere in 320 years.
He said the pieces were "remarkably sophisticated" and would be "a great asset for contemporary organ players, as they are also appropriate for smaller organs".
Cultural Relevance
They are believed to have been composed during Bach's formative years, when he was serving as an organ teacher in the community of the German town in Thuringia.
Mr Wollny, who is now the director of the Bach Archive in the municipality, said they demonstrated several characteristics unique to the musical genius.
"Musically, the pieces also feature aspects that can be identified in Bach's compositions from this period, but not in those of other musicians," he said.
They are thought to have been recorded in 1705 by Bach's apprentice, the historical figure.
At a presentation of the pieces, the researcher said he was "almost completely confident that Bach had written the pair of works" and they have now been added into the official catalogue of his works.
- European Arts
- German Culture
- Orchestral works
- Performance Arts