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

Historical organ composition
The composer is believed to have composed the two compositions early in his career

Newly discovered musical pieces by the musical genius Bach have been presented and executed in the central European country for the premiere performance in three hundred twenty years.

The country's Culture Minister the cultural official labeled the discovery of the two pieces a "important event for the world of music".

They originally drew interest of a Bach researcher in the early nineties when he was documenting the composer's papers at the Royal Library of Belgium.

The organ pieces - the Chaconne in D minor and G minor composition - were dating unknown and without attribution. The scholar spent the next 30 years working to verify the authorship of the pieces.

Landmark Presentation

They were played at the Thomas Church in the eastern German municipality, where the composer is interred and where he was employed as a church musician for 27 years.

The two pieces were executed by organist from the Netherlands the musical performer, who said he was privileged to be able to present them for the initial performance in 320 years.

He said the works were "exceptionally well-crafted" and would be "an important addition for organists today, as they are also suitable for smaller organs".

Cultural Relevance

They are thought to have been composed at the beginning of Bach's professional life, when he was employed as an organ teacher in the community of the German town in Thuringia.

Mr Wollny, who is now the head of the Bach Archive in Leipzig, said they demonstrated several qualities distinctive to the musical genius.

"Stylistically, the works also include aspects that can be found 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 1705 by a student of Bach, the musical student.

At a presentation of the works, the expert said he was "virtually certain that Bach had composed the two pieces" and they have now been included into the recognized inventory of his musical output.

Associated Topics:
  • European Arts
  • German Culture
  • Classical music
  • Music
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