Lost Bach Works Played for First-Ever Performance in Over Three Centuries

Historical organ composition
The composer is believed to have written the pair of organ works early in his career

Previously unknown organ compositions by the musical genius Bach have been revealed and performed in the central European country for the initial occasion in 320 years.

Germany's Cultural Affairs Minister the government representative labeled the unearthing of the pair of works a "important event for the musical community".

They originally drew interest of Peter Wollny in 1992 when he was organizing historical musical documents at the Royal Library of Belgium.

The organ works - the Chaconne in D minor and Chaconne in G minor - were dating unknown and anonymous. Mr Wollny spent the following three decades working to confirm the identity of the pieces.

Historic Performance

They were played at the Thomas Church in the eastern German municipality, where the composer is interred and where he was employed as a cantor for over two decades.

The compositions were performed by Dutch musician the musical performer, who said he was honored to be able to perform them for the initial performance in over three centuries.

He said the pieces were "remarkably sophisticated" and would be "an important addition for modern musicians, as they are also appropriate for reduced-scale organs".

Historical Significance

They are considered to have been written during Bach's formative years, when he was working as an organ instructor in the town of the German town in Thuringia.

The researcher, who is now the head of the Bach research center in the city, said they displayed several qualities particular to the musical genius.

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

They are believed to have been transcribed in 1705 by one of Bach's pupils, Salomon Günther John.

At a unveiling of the works, Mr Wollny said he was "almost completely confident that the composer had created the pair of works" and they have now been incorporated into the authoritative listing of his works.

Connected Subjects:
  • Europe
  • German Culture
  • Orchestral works
  • Performance Arts
Justin Martinez
Justin Martinez

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