Long-Forgotten Bach Pieces Played for First Time in Over Three Centuries
Previously unknown organ compositions by the renowned composer Bach have been presented and executed in Germany for the premiere performance in three hundred twenty years.
The country's Culture Minister the government representative called the unearthing of the two compositions a "important event for the world of music".
They initially attracted notice of a Bach researcher in the early nineties when he was cataloguing Bach manuscripts at the Belgian royal collection.
The musical compositions - the D minor Chaconne and G minor Chaconne - were undated and without attribution. Mr Wollny spent the next 30 years working to verify the origin of the pieces.
Memorable Concert
They were played at the St Thomas Church in Leipzig, where the composer is buried and where he was employed as a cantor for over two decades.
The compositions were played by organist from the Netherlands the renowned organist, who said he was privileged to be able to present them for the premiere 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 believed to have been created at the beginning of Bach's professional life, when he was serving as an organ instructor in the municipality of Arnstadt in Thuringia.
The researcher, who is now the head of the Bach research center in the municipality, said they displayed several qualities distinctive to the artist.
"In terms of style, the compositions also contain characteristics that can be observed in Bach's compositions from this period, but not in those of different artists," he said.
They are thought to have been recorded in 1705 by Bach's apprentice, the historical figure.
At a revealing of the compositions, the expert said he was "almost completely confident that Bach had written the two pieces" and they have now been included into the authoritative listing of his musical output.
- European Arts
- German Heritage
- Orchestral works
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