Missing Bach Works Performed for First Time in Over Three Centuries

Historical organ composition
The composer is believed to have created the two organ pieces at the start of his musical journey

Previously unknown organ works by Johann Sebastian Bach have been presented and executed in the central European country for the premiere performance in over three centuries.

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

They originally drew interest of a Bach researcher in the early nineties when he was cataloguing Bach manuscripts at the Belgian royal collection.

The organ pieces - the Chaconne composition in D minor and G minor Chaconne - were without dates and anonymous. The researcher spent the subsequent thirty years working to confirm the origin of the pieces.

Memorable Concert

They were performed at the historic Leipzig church in Leipzig, where Bach is buried and where he served as a cantor for over two decades.

The pair of works were played by Dutch organist the renowned organist, who said he was honored to be able to perform them for the first time in over three centuries.

He said the pieces were "exceptionally well-crafted" and would be "a great asset for modern musicians, as they are also appropriate for more compact instruments".

Historical Significance

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

Mr Wollny, who is now the head of the Bach research center in Leipzig, said they exhibited several characteristics distinctive to the musical genius.

"In terms of style, the compositions also contain characteristics that can be found in Bach's compositions from this period, but not in those of different artists," he said.

They are considered to have been transcribed in 1705 by Bach's apprentice, the historical figure.

At a unveiling of the compositions, the expert said he was "99.99% sure that the composer had written the pair of works" and they have now been incorporated into the official catalogue of his musical output.

Connected Subjects:
  • European Culture
  • German Culture
  • Classical compositions
  • Music
Stacy Nelson
Stacy Nelson

Maya Chen is a tech journalist and business analyst with over a decade of experience covering global innovation trends and startup ecosystems.