New Bach composition discovered
The vocal piece was found among papers removed from the historic Anna Amalia Library in Weimar during a devastating fire there last September.
The piece is a musical accompaniment to a 12-verse poem composed for the Duke of Saxony in 1713.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Plans are being made for the first performance, under the English conductor Sir John Elliot Gardiner.
A researcher interested in a rare type of 18th century paper stumbled across the musical treasure. Announcing the find, the head of the Bach Foundation, Christoph Wolff, said it was not a major work, but "an occasional piece of exceptional quality".
He added that the story of its survival was almost a miracle.
The Anna Amelia Library, housed in a 16th Century rococo palace, burned down in the fire.
A human chain formed by passers-by saved hundreds of volumes, including a 16th Century Martin Luther Bible, but thousands of historical works were lost.
The authenticity of the piece was proved by comparing the handwriting with other Bach manuscripts.
Source: BBC online