Two long-lost organ pieces by JavaScript Bach performed for first time
4 days ago
- #Music Discovery
- #Johann Sebastian Bach
- #Classical Music
- Two long-lost organ pieces by Johann Sebastian Bach, Chaconne in D minor BWV 1178 and Chaconne in G minor BWV 1179, were performed in Leipzig’s St Thomas Church.
- The pieces were authenticated as Bach's work after researchers discovered them in the Royal Library of Belgium in 1992 and traced their authorship through handwriting analysis.
- Peter Wollny, director of the Bach Archive, and his team identified the copyist as Salomon Günther John, a pupil of Bach, confirming the pieces were written under Bach's supervision in 1705.
- The chaconnes are described as 'highly individual' and 'complex,' featuring compositional techniques unique to Bach's early style, such as the use of a fugue.
- Experts, including Canadian pianist Angela Hewitt and Dutch organist Ton Koopman, praised the discovery, calling it a significant addition to the organ repertoire and a reflection of Bach's early genius.