Long-Forgotten Bach Compositions Played for First Time in Over Three Centuries

Historical organ composition
Bach is thought to have written the two organ pieces early in his career

Previously unknown musical pieces by Johann Sebastian Bach have been presented and performed in the European nation for the premiere performance in over three centuries.

The country's Minister of Culture Wolfram Weimer labeled the unearthing of the pair of works a "important event for the global music scene".

They originally drew interest of a musical scholar in the early nineties when he was documenting the composer's papers at the Brussels archive.

The musical compositions - the Chaconne in D minor and G minor composition - were without dates and unsigned. Mr Wollny spent the next 30 years working to authenticate the origin of the pieces.

Historic Performance

They were played at the Thomas Church in the German city, where Bach is laid to rest and where he worked as a cantor for twenty-seven years.

The pair of works were performed by organist from the Netherlands the renowned organist, who said he was honored to be able to perform them for the premiere in over three centuries.

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

Musical Importance

They are considered to have been composed during Bach's formative years, when he was working as an organ teacher in the town of the Thuringian town in Thuringia.

The researcher, who is now the head of the musical archive in the municipality, said they displayed several features distinctive to the artist.

"In terms of style, the compositions 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 written down in the early eighteenth century by one of Bach's pupils, the musical student.

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

Associated Topics:
  • European Arts
  • German Heritage
  • Orchestral works
  • Music
Thomas Walker
Thomas Walker

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