Lost Johann Sebastian Bach Works Performed for First-Ever Performance in Over Three Centuries
Previously unknown organ compositions by the renowned composer Bach have been presented and performed in the European nation for the premiere performance in three hundred twenty years.
The country's Cultural Affairs Minister the government representative labeled the unearthing of the two compositions a "great moment for the musical community".
They originally drew interest of Peter Wollny in the early nineties when he was organizing historical musical documents at the Brussels archive.
The musical compositions - the Chaconne composition in D minor and Chaconne in G minor - were dating unknown and without attribution. The scholar spent the subsequent thirty years working to confirm the identity of the pieces.
Memorable Concert
They were performed at the St Thomas Church in the eastern German municipality, where the composer is buried and where he worked as a cantor for over two decades.
The two pieces were executed by organist from the Netherlands the musical performer, who said he was proud to be able to present them for the initial performance in three hundred twenty years.
He said the works were "exceptionally well-crafted" and would be "a valuable resource for organists today, as they are also well-suited for more compact instruments".
Musical Importance
They are considered to have been composed during Bach's formative years, when he was employed as an music instructor in the community of the German town in central Germany.
The scholar, who is now the head of the musical archive in the city, said they demonstrated several characteristics unique to the artist.
"Musically, the works also contain characteristics that can be found in Bach's works from that time, but not in those of other musicians," he said.
They are considered to have been transcribed in 1705 by one of Bach's pupils, the musical student.
At a presentation of the compositions, the expert said he was "virtually certain that Bach had created the two pieces" and they have now been included into the recognized inventory of his musical output.
Connected Subjects:
- European Culture
- German Heritage
- Classical music
- Music
