Long-Forgotten Johann Sebastian Bach Works Presented for First Time in Three Centuries

Historical organ composition
The composer is considered to have created the two organ pieces early in his career

Recently identified musical pieces by Johann Sebastian Bach have been presented and performed in the European nation for the premiere performance in three hundred twenty years.

Germany's Minister of Culture Wolfram Weimer labeled the discovery of the two compositions a "important event for the musical community".

They originally drew interest of Peter Wollny in 1992 when he was organizing the composer's papers at the Royal Library of Belgium.

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

Memorable Concert

They were presented at the Thomas Church in the German city, where Bach is laid to rest and where he worked as a cantor for over two decades.

The pair of works were performed by Dutch musician the renowned organist, who said he was honored to be able to present 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 more compact instruments".

Cultural Relevance

They are considered to have been composed during Bach's formative years, when he was serving as an organ instructor in the town of the German town in central Germany.

The scholar, who is now the leader of the musical archive in the municipality, said they exhibited several qualities unique to the composer.

"Stylistically, the pieces also contain elements that can be found in the composer's creations from this period, but not in those of different artists," he said.

They are believed to have been written down in 1705 by Bach's apprentice, the musical student.

At a unveiling of the works, the expert 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 musical output.

Connected Subjects:
  • European Culture
  • Germany
  • Classical music
  • Music
Hannah Stafford
Hannah Stafford

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