Dieterich Buxtehude
b. Oldestoe (Holstein) ca. 1637
d. Lübeck, May 9, 1707
Biography
Though Danish by birth, Dieterich Buxtehude is considered a member of the North
German organ school. Buxtehude showed early skill at the keyboard, probably receiving
his earliest instruction from his father, Joahann. He received his first official
post as organist in 1657, in Helsingburg. By 1668 Buxtehude moved to Lübeck,
Germany as the successor to Franz Tunder at the Marienkirche. One of his greatest
contributions there was his establishment of "Abendmusik"–evening concerts
of organ and choral music held annually the five Sundays before Christmas.
Buxtehude's music brought North German organ composition to its apex. He
worked with many different forms, including praeludia, toccatas, and
chorale preludes. In sectional forms, Buxtehude began using motives to
unify and bring cohesiveness to his music. His Thirty Short Chorale
Preludes are representative of the ornamented melody chorale style, which
influenced Bach. All his compositions reflect his ability to combine
virtuosity and drama with sensitivity and discretion.
Points of Interest
- Buxtehude was only given the position at the Marienkirche under the
stipulation that he would marry Franz Tunder¹s daughter.
- Handel went to Lübeck to succeed Buxtehude, but chose not to accept the
position due to the marriage clause. It is presumed that Bach, too, considered
taking Buxtehude¹s position, deferred by the same.
- The story is told that Bach once traveled 200 miles on foot to hear
Buxtehude play.
Representative Works
- Praeludia
- Various Choral settings (motets, variations, fantasias)
- 30 Short Chorale preludes
- Free forms, such as toccatas
- Chaconnes
- Canzonas
- Partitas
- A Passacaglia
- A Magnificat
- A Te Deum