Exceptional treasures from Belgium’s two main music libraries
The rich Fétis collection at the Royal Library of Belgium (KBR) holds several scores by Johann Sebastian Bach, including the autograph of the Lute Suite BWV 995 and the organ chaconnes BWV 1178 and 1179. The authenticity of these chaconnes was recently confirmed by the Bach-Archiv in Leipzig, where they were performed for the first time in 320 years on Monday, 17 November, during an exceptional concert at the Thomaskirche. On 6 December, they will have their Belgian premiere in collaboration with the Conservatoire royal de Bruxelles.
The library of the Conservatoire royal de Bruxelles, also founded by Fétis, preserves a valuable manuscript of German Baroque organ music, partly written by Johann Friedrich Agricola, a student of J.S. Bach. It includes compositions by major composers such as Nicolaus Bruhns and Dietrich Buxtehude—the latter being where the young Bach studied shortly after composing the two chaconnes now held in the KBR collection.
In collaboration with KBR, the Chamber Music class from the Early Music department and Benoît Mernier’s Organ class invite you to explore these unique manuscripts. The program combines organ pieces with vocal works by the same composers, taking you on a remarkable musical journey through time.
Coordination: Benoît Mernier
Performers: Organ Class of the Conservatoire royal de Bruxelles
Practical Information:
- Free entry, no reservation required
- Our Lady of the Riches Claires Church
23 Riches Claires Street, 1000 Brussels
