Missing Bach Compositions Performed for First-Ever Performance in 320 Years
Recently identified organ works by the renowned composer Bach have been revealed and performed in the European nation for the first time in over three centuries.
The country's Minister of Culture Wolfram Weimer labeled the discovery of the pair of works a "great moment for the global music scene".
They first caught the attention of a Bach researcher in 1992 when he was documenting Bach manuscripts at the Belgian royal collection.
The organ pieces - the D minor Chaconne and G minor composition - were without dates and without attribution. The researcher spent the next 30 years working to confirm the authorship of the pieces.
Landmark Presentation
They were presented at the St Thomas Church in Leipzig, where Bach is buried and where he served as a cantor for twenty-seven years.
The two pieces were executed by Dutch organist the renowned organist, who said he was privileged to be able to present them for the premiere in 320 years.
He said the compositions were "exceptionally well-crafted" and would be "an important addition for contemporary organ players, as they are also suitable for more compact instruments".
Historical Significance
They are considered to have been written during Bach's formative years, when he was employed as an music instructor in the community of the German town in the German region.
Mr Wollny, who is now the director of the musical archive in Leipzig, said they demonstrated several characteristics particular to the artist.
"In terms of style, the compositions also include aspects that can be identified in the composer's creations from that era, but not in those of different artists," he said.
They are considered to have been recorded in the early eighteenth century by one of Bach's pupils, the musical student.
At a presentation of the works, the researcher said he was "almost completely confident that the composer had created the pair of works" and they have now been added into the official catalogue of his musical output.
- European Culture
- Germany
- Orchestral works
- Musical Arts