Long-Forgotten Johann Sebastian Bach Pieces Presented for First Time in 320 Years
Recently identified organ compositions by the musical genius Bach have been revealed and played in the European nation for the premiere performance in three hundred twenty years.
Germany's Culture Minister Wolfram Weimer labeled the unearthing of the pair of works a "important event for the musical community".
They initially attracted notice of Peter Wollny in the early nineties when he was organizing Bach manuscripts at the Brussels archive.
The organ pieces - the Chaconne in D minor and Chaconne in G minor - were undated and anonymous. The scholar spent the following three decades working to authenticate the authorship of the pieces.
Memorable Concert
They were presented at the Thomas Church in the German city, where Bach is interred and where he was employed as a music director for twenty-seven years.
The pair of works were executed by organist from the Netherlands the musical performer, who said he was honored to be able to play them for the premiere in over three centuries.
He said the pieces were "of a very high quality" and would be "a great asset for modern musicians, as they are also suitable for more compact instruments".
Historical Significance
They are believed to have been created during Bach's formative years, when he was employed as an organ instructor in the municipality of Arnstadt in Thuringia.
Mr Wollny, who is now the director of the Bach Archive in the municipality, said they demonstrated several characteristics particular to the musical genius.
"Stylistically, the pieces also include characteristics that can be found in the composer's creations from this period, but not in those of other musicians," he said.
They are considered to have been recorded in 1705 by one of Bach's pupils, the historical figure.
At a revealing of the compositions, the researcher said he was "almost completely confident that the composer had created the pair of works" and they have now been included into the authoritative listing of his works.
- European Arts
- German Heritage
- Orchestral works
- Musical Arts