The Elusive First Composition: Johann Sebastian Bach’s Early Works

It is a fascinating endeavor to attempt to pinpoint Johann Sebastian Bach’s earliest known composition. However, due to the historical context and the limited preservation of his works, it is challenging to ascertain with certainty. This article delves into the available information and speculates on likely candidates for Bach’s initial compositions.

Early Lost Works

Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer to what Bach's earliest composition was. Much of his work has been lost over the centuries. According to Bach's Werk-index (BWV), the piece designated as BWV 1 is "Wie schn leuchtet der Morgenstern," a German chorale, though it was not his very first. Bach himself was not an avid preservationist of his music, leading to a significant amount of it being lost.

Organ Works from Youth

The earliest known works by Bach for organ, likely composed at around the age of 15, date back to as early as 1700. A quick look at the Bach-Werke-Verzeichnis (BWV) reveals that the earliest organ compositions are from 1699.

Significance and Rarity

Unlike many contemporary composers, Bach did not prioritize the preservation of his music. He composed works for specific occasions such as church cantatas and other religious celebrations. It is estimated that about half of his church cantatas have been lost. This lost music likely includes his earliest compositions, making it impossible to pinpoint exactly when or what his very first piece was.

J. S. Bach’s Perspective

J. S. Bach himself might not have known or remembered his earliest composition, much like modern musicians. Early in his career, Bach played and hummed melodies without writing them down. The pieces that were mature enough and documented would be considered his earliest known works, but other pieces, though mature, were not written down. This underscores the uncertainty surrounding Bach's first piece.

Contemporaneous Perceptions

Bach's contemporaries viewed him as a virtuoso organist rather than a major composer. Many considered his music outdated, including his own sons. One example is the The Art of Fugue, which originally had poor sales and was sold as scrap copper plates. This lack of recognition meant that little attention was given to preserving his work.

Solving the Mystery

Even if we hypothetically brought Bach back to life today, it would be challenging for him to recall his earliest composition. The reason is that many of his pieces did not have formal titles. For instance, the Goldberg Variations had no title until it was titled by its circumstances and tradition. The Brandenburg Concertos were simply named after their recipient, Christian Ludwig Margrave of Brandenburg-Schwedt. And much of Bach's music did not receive formal titles until after his death.

Legacy and Discovery

What we can confirm is that the music that remains is indeed a treasure. Bach's works are among the greatest musical compositions, and the discovery of his early works would likely be a significant milestone. His first composition, if found, would provide invaluable insight into the development of one of the most renowned composers in history.

Keywords: Johann Sebastian Bach, Early Works, Lost Music