Missing Johann Sebastian Bach Pieces Played for First Time in Three Centuries
Newly discovered organ works by the renowned composer Bach have been revealed and executed in the European nation for the premiere performance in over three centuries.
Germany's Cultural Affairs Minister the government representative described the finding of the pair of works a "important event for the musical community".
They initially attracted notice of a musical scholar in 1992 when he was organizing historical musical documents at the Royal Library of Belgium.
The organ works - the Chaconne composition in D minor and G minor composition - were undated and unsigned. The researcher spent the next 30 years working to authenticate the authorship of the pieces.
Historic Performance
They were played at the historic Leipzig church in the eastern German municipality, where the composer is laid to rest and where he served as a music director for 27 years.
The two pieces were executed by Dutch organist the renowned organist, who said he was privileged to be able to play them for the initial performance in 320 years.
He said the works were "of a very high quality" and would be "a great asset for modern musicians, as they are also well-suited for smaller organs".
Musical Importance
They are thought to have been created early in Bach's career, when he was serving as an music instructor in the municipality of the Thuringian town in Thuringia.
The researcher, who is now the head of the musical archive in the municipality, said they exhibited several qualities unique to the composer.
"In terms of style, the compositions also include aspects that can be identified in Bach's compositions from this period, but not in those of different artists," he said.
They are believed to have been transcribed in 1705 by Bach's apprentice, the historical figure.
At a revealing of the compositions, the expert said he was "almost completely confident that the composer had composed the two pieces" and they have now been incorporated into the recognized inventory of his works.
- European Culture
- Germany
- Orchestral works
- Musical Arts