Dieterich Buxtehude, a Danish-German composer and organist of the Baroque period, died on May 9, 1707, in Lübeck and was buried in St. Mary's Church.[5] His birthplace remains disputed—he was probably born around 1637 in either Bad Oldesloe or Helsingborg.[1][4] After positions in Helsingborg and Helsingør, he took up the post of organist and organist at St. Mary's Church in Lübeck in 1668, a position that offered him far greater opportunities for artistic expression than his previous roles.[5]
As an outstanding musical figure of his time, Buxtehude pursued his virtuoso career like no other North German organist.[5] He was among the most learned organists of his era and enjoyed a legendary reputation even during his lifetime.[2] His musical performances, especially the "Abendmusiken" (evening concerts) he further developed, which his predecessor Franz Tunder had established, gained renown throughout Northern Europe from 1678 onwards.[5] These sacred-dramatic works were even praised as a unique event in the 1697 city guide "Die Beglückte und geschmückte Stadt Lübeck" (The Blessed and Adorned City of Lübeck).[5]
Buxtehude's legacy comprises an impressive oeuvre of 90 organ compositions, 21 instrumental sonatas, and 125 vocal works.[5] His compositions are characteristic of the North German organ school.[3] From his time in Helsingør, only one composition has been definitively preserved—the cantata "Aperite mihi portas justitiae."[4] Buxtehude's musical output had a groundbreaking influence on church music and established him as a composer and organist of international renown.[5]