(Probably) born in Helsingborg, ca. 1637
Died in Lübeck, May 9, 1707
- No documents exist verifying Dieterich Buxtehude’s nationality or birth date, though musicologists speculate the composer was either Danish or German.1
- Buxtehude is most famous for his contributions to organ music. J.S. Bach and Handel were both known to have made pilgrimages to witness Buxtehude’s performances in Lübeck.
- Fun fact – both Bach and Handel wanted to succeed Buxtehude in his position at St. Mary’s Church in Lübeck. However, there was one condition – whoever took over the role had to marry Buxtehude’s daughter. Neither Bach nor Handel agreed to the terms.
- Buxtehude became particularly well-known in Germany for directing Abendmusiken, concerts containing a mix of vocal and instrumental music held at St. Mary’s Church in Lübeck.
- In addition to organ music, the composer wrote a considerable amount of instrumental music and sacred cantatas.2
Sources
- Kerala J. Snyder, “Buxtehude, Dieterich,” Grove Music Online (2001), accessed December 28, 2022, https://www.oxfordmusiconline.com/grovemusic/view/10.1093/gmo/9781561592630.001.0001/omo-9781561592630-e-0000004477.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, “Dietrich Buxtehude,” Encyclopedia Britannica (2022), accessed December 28, 2022, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Dietrich-Buxtehude.