Album insights
Dieterich Buxtehude passed away on May 9, 1707, in Lübeck as the organist of Marienkirche. While the exact place and year of his birth remain uncertain, it is widely believed that he was born in 1637, potentially in Helsingborg, Helsingør, or Oldesloe. Growing up in Denmark, he later succeeded Franz Tunder as the organist of Marienkirche in 1668. For almost forty of his seventy years, Buxtehude resided in Lübeck, where his influence on North German organ music was prominent, attracting musicians like Johann Sebastian Bach and Handel.
During Buxtehude's era, printed notes were scarce, with most music being improvised rather than following written scores. His works were not published until long after his lifetime, emphasizing the importance of improvisational skills among organists. His compositions were spread through handwritten copies, showcasing the significance of individuality and spontaneity in the organ culture.
Buxtehude's organ music can be categorized into free works and compositions based on existing melodies. Pieces like the Canzonetta in G Major, BuxWV171, exemplify his intricate fugal compositions. Each work, such as the Choralfantasy on the Christmas melody "Gelobet seist du, Jesu Christ," BuxWV188, showcases Buxtehude's masterful handling of melodies and harmonies.
His varied styles can be seen in pieces like the Fugue in G Major, BuxWV175, which exhibits his command over learned techniques. Buxtehude's application of chorales, as seen in works like "Nun bitten wir den heiligen Geist," BuxWV209, demonstrates his skill in adorning melodies and harmonizing compositions.
The Prélude in E Major, BuxWV141, stands out for its exuberance and innovation, showcasing Buxtehude's intricate composition techniques. Pieces like the Choral Variations on "Ach Gott und Herr," BuxWV177, offer insight into his creative approach to variations. Finally, the Prélude in G Major, BuxWV147, wonderfully concludes the collection, highlighting Buxtehude's rich improvisational style and masterful fugal writing.
Artist: Viola Scheffel