Buxtehude, Dietrich (1637-1707)

Danish composer. In 1668 he was appointed organist at the Marienkirche, Lübeck, Germany, where his fame attracted Johann Sebastian Bach and Handel. He is remembered for his organ works and cantatas, written for his evening concerts (Abendmusiken); he also wrote numerous trio sonatas for two violins, viola da gamba, and harpsichord.

From 1668 he was organist of St Mary's Church, Lübeck. From 1673 he gave pre-Christmas Abendmusiken at which his vivid and vocally elaborate cantatas were performed, for example Das neugeborne Kindelein. His vocal sacred concertos to Latin texts are in a style recalling Venetian models. He was the greatest organ composer of the period preceding Johann Sebastian Bach, who is alleged to have walked 320 km/200 mi to hear him play.

Works concerted works for chorus and orchestra (Abendmusiken); church cantatas, all with German texts, except a sequence of seven, Membra Jesu nostri (1680); sonatas for strings; organ music, including chorale preludes; suites for harpsichord.