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Previously unknown organ compositions by the renowned composer Bach have been presented and played in Germany for the premiere performance in over three centuries.

Germany's Minister of Culture the government representative described the discovery of the two pieces a "significant occasion for the musical community".

They originally drew interest of a Bach researcher in the early nineties when he was organizing Bach manuscripts at the Royal Library of Belgium.

The organ pieces - the Chaconne composition in D minor and G minor Chaconne - were undated and unsigned. The researcher spent the next 30 years working to authenticate the identity of the pieces.

Landmark Presentation

They were performed at the historic Leipzig church in the German city, where Bach is laid to rest and where he worked as a cantor for over two decades.

The two pieces were played by Dutch musician the renowned organist, who said he was honored to be able to play them for the initial performance in over three centuries.

He said the works were "exceptionally well-crafted" and would be "an important addition for organists today, as they are also well-suited for smaller organs".

Musical Importance

They are believed to have been written during Bach's formative years, when he was serving as an music instructor in the community of the Thuringian town in Thuringia.

The scholar, who is now the director of the musical archive in the municipality, said they demonstrated several features distinctive to the artist.

"Stylistically, the works also include elements that can be found in Bach's compositions from that time, but not in those of any other composer," he said.

They are thought to have been recorded in 1705 by one of Bach's pupils, Salomon Günther John.

At a presentation of the works, Mr Wollny said he was "99.99% sure that Bach had composed the pair of works" and they have now been included into the official catalogue of his musical output.