Long-Forgotten Bach Pieces Presented for First Time in Three Centuries
Recently identified organ works by Johann Sebastian Bach have been presented and executed in the central European country for the initial occasion in 320 years.
Germany's Minister of Culture Wolfram Weimer called the unearthing of the two compositions a "important event for the global music scene".
They initially attracted notice of a Bach researcher in 1992 when he was organizing Bach manuscripts at the Brussels archive.
The organ pieces - the D minor Chaconne and G minor composition - were without dates and unsigned. The researcher spent the subsequent thirty years working to verify the origin of the pieces.
Historic Performance
They were performed at the historic Leipzig church in the German city, where the composer is buried and where he served as a cantor for over two decades.
The two pieces were performed by Dutch musician the musical performer, who said he was privileged to be able to play them for the premiere in over three centuries.
He said the compositions were "of a very high quality" and would be "a valuable resource for contemporary organ players, as they are also suitable for smaller organs".
Historical Significance
They are thought to have been created during Bach's formative years, when he was working as an organ instructor in the community of the German town in central Germany.
The researcher, who is now the head of the Bach Archive in Leipzig, said they displayed several features particular to the musical genius.
"Stylistically, the works also include elements that can be found in Bach's works from that time, but not in those of different artists," he said.
They are believed to have been recorded in 1705 by one of Bach's pupils, the historical figure.
At a presentation of the compositions, Mr Wollny said he was "virtually certain that the composer had composed the two pieces" and they have now been incorporated into the official catalogue of his compositions.
- European Culture
- Germany
- Orchestral works
- Music