What Are the Newly Unveiled Bach Pieces That Haven't Been Performed in 320 Years?

The recent discovery and performance of previously unknown organ works by Johann Sebastian Bach has generated excitement in the classical music community. The two pieces, Chaconne in D minor BWV 1178 and Chaconne in G minor BWV 1179, were performed for the first time in 320 years, marking a significant moment in the history of music. This revelation not only enriches Bach's legacy but also provides valuable additions for modern organists.

Last updated: 14 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The unveiling of these two compositions has taken place at St Thomas Church in Leipzig, a site intimately connected to Bach as both his burial place and the location where he served as a cantor for 27 years. The pieces were performed by renowned Dutch organist Ton Koopman, who expressed pride in bringing these works to life after more than three centuries. This event has been hailed by Germany's Culture Minister Wolfram Weimer as a "great moment for the world of music," underlining the cultural significance of the discovery.

Key takeaways

• The Chaconne in D minor BWV 1178 and Chaconne in G minor BWV 1179 are confirmed works by Bach.
• These pieces were catalogued by Peter Wollny after being discovered in the Royal Library of Belgium.
• The compositions exhibit unique stylistic features characteristic of Bach’s early work.

Timeline: how we got here

The journey towards recognising these organ works began over three decades ago:

• 1992: Peter Wollny discovers the manuscripts while cataloguing Bach's works in the Royal Library of Belgium.
• 2023: The Chaconne pieces are performed for the first time at St Thomas Church in Leipzig.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The primary news is the performance of the two Chaconne pieces, marking their first public exposure in over 300 years. This event has been celebrated for its significance to Bach’s oeuvre and its implications for the interpretation of Baroque music.

What was already established

Prior to this discovery, Bach's catalogue was already extensive, comprising a wealth of works primarily focused on vocal and instrumental music. The newly confirmed compositions add depth to his early organ repertoire, particularly reflecting his formative years in Arnstadt.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The resurgence of these works may influence concert programming and music education in the UK, providing fresh repertoire for organists and enriching the cultural landscape for audiences interested in classical music.

Businesses and jobs

The discovery may spur renewed interest in organ music, potentially benefiting music publishers and concert venues that focus on classical performances. This could lead to more opportunities for musicians and educators in the sector.

Policy and regulation

As these works are integrated into the established canon of classical music, discussions around music heritage preservation and support for classical music education may gain traction in cultural policy circles.

Numbers that matter

• 320 years: The time since these pieces were last performed publicly.
• 2: The number of newly confirmed organ works by Bach.
• 30 years: The duration Peter Wollny spent verifying the authenticity of these pieces.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Chaconne: A musical form featuring a series of variations over a repeated harmonic progression.
• BWV: Bach Werke Verzeichnis, the catalogue of Johann Sebastian Bach’s works.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Expect further performances of these pieces, especially in Europe, as musicians seek to incorporate them into their repertoire. Musicologists will likely publish analyses and discussions about their stylistic features.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Increased interest in Bach's organ works may lead to more recordings and publications. Music festivals may also feature these Chaconnes prominently in their programming.

Signals to watch

• Upcoming concert schedules featuring the new pieces.
• Publications or scholarly articles discussing the stylistic elements of the Chaconnes.
• Discussion on social media and classical music forums regarding the significance of the discovery.

Practical guidance

Do

• Explore performances of Bach's newly discovered works in local concert venues.
• Engage with organ music through educational events or workshops.
• Stay informed about publications and recordings of Bach’s music.

Don’t

• Assume these pieces are only for advanced organists; they are suited for a range of skill levels.
• Neglect the historical context of these works when performing or studying them.
• Overlook the potential for these pieces to influence modern interpretations of Baroque music.

Checklist

• Have you listened to recordings of the newly discovered Chaconnes?
• Are you familiar with the historical context of Bach’s early career?
• Have you explored resources for learning and performing these works?

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Peter Wollny expresses confidence in the attribution of these pieces to Bach, there remains a small margin of uncertainty in historical musicology, especially with works that lack definitive documentation. Continued scholarly scrutiny will be crucial in solidifying the pieces' place within Bach's canon.

Bottom line

The rediscovery of these organ works not only enriches the understanding of Bach's early career but also provides exciting new material for today’s musicians. Their performance marks a significant cultural moment, encouraging both exploration and appreciation of classical music in the UK and beyond.

FAQs

What are the newly discovered works by Bach?

The newly discovered works are the Chaconne in D minor BWV 1178 and Chaconne in G minor BWV 1179, which were performed publicly for the first time in 320 years.

Who confirmed these pieces as Bach's works?

Peter Wollny, a musicologist and director of the Bach Archive in Leipzig, confirmed the pieces' attribution to Bach after a lengthy verification process.

Why are these pieces significant?

These works add depth to Bach's early organ repertoire and offer valuable material for modern organists, showcasing unique stylistic traits characteristic of his compositions.