Dietrich Buxtehude Inspiration To Bach?

Over the past year, the organ preludes for the 11 am service have heavily featured the works of a 17th-century composer, Dietrich Buxtehude (DEET-rich BUKST-uh-HODEH). Our music director, Roy Swanson, offers some biographical information as well as the reason for his choice to play his works.

Dietrich Buxtehude was a composer whose music, written in a different era, still resonates today. Born around 1637, likely in the town of Helsingborg in what is now Sweden, he grew up surrounded by music, thanks to his father, who was an organist. Music ran deep in his family, making it only natural for him to follow in those footsteps.

In his twenties, Buxtehude took up a position as organist in Helsingør, Denmark, but it was in Lübeck, Germany, where he truly found his voice—or perhaps, his fingers, as it were. He served as the organist at St. Mary's Church (Marienkirche) for nearly 40 years, beginning in 1668. This was a time of tremendous creative freedom for him. The church's organ was a magnificent instrument, and the acoustics of the Marienkirche allowed his music to soar to new heights.

His compositions ranged widely, but he is best known for his organ works and his contributions to the development of the German Baroque style. Buxtehude's music was both complex and expressive, blending rigorous structure with profound emotion. His chorale preludes and toccatas still captivate musicians and listeners today. He also composed a number of vocal works, including cantatas and sacred concertos, which were intended to move the soul and elevate the spirit.

One of his proudest achievements was the establishment of the Abendmusiken—a series of evening concerts held at Marienkirche. These performances were open to the public and became legendary across Europe, drawing the attention of many, including a young Johann Sebastian Bach, who reportedly walked over 250 miles to hear him play and learn from his techniques. Buxtehude's work inspired Bach, and Bach, in turn, influenced generations of composers.

Buxtehude composed dramatic oratorios and instrumental music; however, much of it has been lost over time. His style may seem intricate, even by today's standards, but it was always his intention to bring together the complexity of counterpoint with the emotional depth of sacred music.

Though he lived centuries ago, it is hoped that when people hear his music, they can feel the timelessness of the emotions he sought to convey. His works serve as a bridge between the past and the present, a testament to the enduring power of music.