An Australian professor's theory that some of J.S. Bach's masterpieces were in fact written by his second wife has met with intense criticism from many scholars and musicians.

Martin Jarvis, who is a professor of music at Charles Darwin University, proposes that Anna Magdalena Bach may actually have written the Cello Suites and several other of Bach's masterpieces. A documentary film about Jarvis' claim, Written by Mrs Bach, will air at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) next week.

Jarvis collaborated with British composer Sally Beamish and American forensic document examiner Heidi Harralson to make the film, which includes evidence from Harralson, who analyzed the composer's signature and the manuscripts of his famous works.

Here's a trailer for the new film:

CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING

Join the Discussion