Lost Bach Organ Works Unearthed,Challenging Century-Old Understanding
Leipzig,Germany – November 17,2025 – A cache of previously unknown organ works by johann Sebastian Bach has been identified by conductor and organist Ton Koopman,potentially rewriting the understanding of the composer’s prolific output during his tenure as Thomaskantor in Leipzig. The discovery,announced today,comprises several compositions found within the holdings of the Bach Archive Leipzig,suggesting a far broader scope of organ playing and experimentation than previously documented.
for over a century, scholarship has largely relied on a relatively fixed catalog of Bach’s organ works. Koopman’s findings, stemming from meticulous research and analysis of archival materials, indicate Bach not only composed additional pieces for the instrument but also actively incorporated works by contemporaries into his liturgical and pedagogical practice. This revelation impacts musicologists,organists,and Bach enthusiasts worldwide,prompting a reevaluation of the composer’s creative process and the musical landscape of 18th-century Leipzig.Further study is underway to fully catalog and authenticate the newly identified works, with plans for public performance and scholarly publication anticipated in the coming years.
Koopman’s investigation began with a focused examination of the music books Bach himself used during his 27 years in Leipzig (1723-1750). These volumes, containing handwritten scores and annotations, revealed pieces not listed in the standard Bach-Werke-Verzeichnis (BWV), the thorough catalog of the composer’s works. “We found compositions clearly in Bach’s hand, or with annotations demonstrating his direct engagement,” Koopman explained. “These weren’t simply copies; they were works he studied, adapted, and likely performed.”
The newly discovered works include preludes, fugues, and chorale variations, some bearing stylistic hallmarks consistent with Bach’s established oeuvre, while others exhibit influences from composers such as Dieterich Buxtehude and georg Böhm. The Bach Archive leipzig confirmed the authenticity of the findings, stating that the manuscripts align with Bach’s known handwriting and compositional techniques.”This is a notable moment for Bach scholarship,” said Dr. Christoph Wolff, director of the archive. “it demonstrates the importance of continued archival research and the potential for uncovering new facets of Bach’s genius.”
The discovery also sheds light on the practical realities of Bach’s role in Leipzig. As Thomaskantor, he was responsible for providing music for all the city’s main churches, a demanding task that likely necessitated a broader repertoire than previously assumed. The inclusion of works by other composers suggests Bach viewed his role not merely as a composer, but also as a curator and interpreter of the organ tradition.
