Dietrich Buxtehude Program Notes and Sheet Music

Dieterich Buxtehude (1637-1707) was a Danish organist and composer of the Baroque period. He was one of the most important composers of his time, and his music had a profound influence on later composers, including Johann Sebastian Bach.

Buxtehude was born in Helsingborg, Sweden, in 1637. He studied music with his father, who was also an organist. In 1668, he moved to Lübeck, Germany, where he became organist at St. Mary's Church. He held this position for the rest of his life.

Buxtehude was a prolific composer, and his output includes over 100 works for organ, as well as vocal music, including cantatas, motets, and operas. His organ music is characterized by its virtuosity, its expressiveness, and its use of counterpoint. His vocal music is also highly expressive, and it often features dramatic texts.

Buxtehude's music was very popular during his lifetime, and he attracted many famous musicians to his organ recitals. One of these musicians was Johann Sebastian Bach, who traveled to Lübeck in 1705 to hear Buxtehude play. Bach was so impressed by Buxtehude's playing that he stayed for three months, studying with him.

Buxtehude died in Lübeck in 1707. He is considered one of the most important composers of the Baroque period, and his music is still performed and enjoyed by audiences today.