Missing Bach Compositions Played for First Time in Three Centuries

Historical organ composition — The composer is thought to have written the two compositions during his early years

Previously unknown organ works by the renowned composer Bach have been presented and played in the central European country for the initial occasion in over three centuries.

Germany's Cultural Affairs Minister the government representative called the finding of the pair of works a "significant occasion for the musical community".

They originally drew interest of Peter Wollny in 1992 when he was organizing the composer's papers at the Belgian royal collection.

The organ pieces - the D minor Chaconne and Chaconne in G minor - were undated and without attribution. Mr Wollny spent the subsequent thirty years working to verify the authorship of the pieces.

Memorable Concert

They were performed at the St Thomas Church in the eastern German municipality, where Bach is laid to rest and where he was employed as a church musician for 27 years.

The compositions were played by Dutch organist Ton Koopman, who said he was honored to be able to play them for the first time in over three centuries.

He said the compositions were "of a very high quality" and would be "an important addition for organists today, as they are also suitable for smaller organs".

Musical Importance

They are thought to have been composed during Bach's formative years, when he was working as an organ instructor in the municipality of the Thuringian town in central Germany.

Mr Wollny, who is now the leader of the Bach Archive in the city, said they displayed several qualities distinctive to the musical genius.

"In terms of style, the works also feature elements that can be identified in Bach's works from that time, but not in those of other musicians," he said.

They are believed to have been recorded in 1705 by a student of Bach, the musical student.

At a presentation of the compositions, the expert said he was "virtually certain that the composer had created the two compositions" and they have now been added into the official catalogue of his works.

Connected Subjects:

European Culture
German Heritage
Classical music
Musical Arts

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