Long-Forgotten Johann Sebastian Bach Pieces Played for First-Ever Performance in Over Three Centuries
Newly discovered organ works by the renowned composer Bach have been revealed and executed in the European nation for the initial occasion in over three centuries.
Germany's Cultural Affairs Minister the government representative labeled the unearthing of the two compositions a "significant occasion for the musical community".
They first caught the attention of a musical scholar in the early nineties when he was cataloguing the composer's papers at the Belgian royal collection.
The organ pieces - the Chaconne in D minor and G minor composition - were without dates and unsigned. The scholar spent the next 30 years working to verify the identity of the pieces.
Landmark Presentation
They were presented at the historic Leipzig church in the eastern German municipality, where Bach is laid to rest and where he served as a music director for 27 years.
The compositions were performed by Dutch organist the musical performer, who said he was privileged to be able to perform them for the first time in over three centuries.
He said the compositions were "exceptionally well-crafted" and would be "a great asset for contemporary organ players, as they are also suitable for reduced-scale organs".
Cultural Relevance
They are considered to have been written during Bach's formative years, when he was working as an music instructor in the town of Arnstadt in the German region.
Mr Wollny, who is now the director of the Bach Archive in Leipzig, said they displayed several qualities distinctive to the musical genius.
"Musically, the works also include characteristics that can be observed in the composer's creations from that time, 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 revealing of the pieces, Mr Wollny said he was "almost completely confident that the composer had created the two compositions" and they have now been included into the recognized inventory of his works.
- European Arts
- German Culture
- Orchestral works
- Music