Dietrich Buxtehude, a Danish composer and organist, was a key figure in the mid baroque era and had a significant impact on European classical music. Although the details of his birth remain a subject of debate, his influence on the development of new musical forms during the Baroque period cannot be denied. Serving as the head organist at Marienkirche in Lubeck from 1668 until his death, Buxtehude’s popularity spread throughout the country and the continent. His musical legacy inspired renowned musicians such as Johann Mattheson and Johann Sebastian Bach. While few of his original manuscripts survive today, numerous secondary sources have preserved his music for future generations.
Quick Facts
- Also Known As: Diderik Hansen Buxtehude
- Died At Age: 70
- Family:
- Spouse/Ex-: Anna Margarethe
- Father: Johannes Buxtehude
- Mother: Helle Jaspersdatters
- Siblings: Peter
- Children: Anna Margreta Buxtehude, Anna Sophia Buxtehude, Dorothea Catrin Buxtehude, Helena Buxtehude, Helena Elisabeth Buxtehude, Maria Engel Buxtehude
- Born Country: Sweden
- Composers
- Organists
- Died on: May 9, 1707
- Place of death: Lübeck, Germany
- City: Helsingborg, Sweden
Childhood & Early Life
Dietrich Buxtehude, born Diderik Hansen Buxtehude, was born in 1637 in Helsingborg, Denmark-Norway. His parents were Johannes Buxtehude and Helle Jespersdatter. The exact place of his birth is uncertain, but many historians believe he was born in Holstein, which was under the Danish monarchy at the time but is now part of Germany. His father was an organist at St. Holai Church, and Dietrich received his early education from him. This early exposure to music sparked his interest in becoming an organist. He learned organ from his father until the age of 20 and made his debut as an organist in 1657.
Career
After his education from his father, Dietrich was employed at Mariekirke in Helsingor for a year or two. He then moved to Lubeck to become the organist at St. Marie’s Church, taking the place of Franz Tunder. While working at St. Marie’s Church, Dietrich began organizing evening concerts of choral and organ music, which became very successful. These concerts, held annually before Christmas, contributed to Dietrich’s success as a musician. He gained recognition from musicians in Northern Germany, including Johann Sebastian Bach, who admired Dietrich and attended his musical events.
Dietrich served as the organist at St. Marie’s Church for his entire life. In addition to playing music at the church, he also provided music for other services, served as the treasurer, business manager, and secretary of the church. His position as an organist at the church was highly sought after by other musicians, including Handel and Bach, but Dietrich laid a condition that his successor must marry one of his daughters, which was not accepted.
Contributions to Music
Dietrich Buxtehude left a significant body of vocal and instrumental music, although much of it was not well-preserved at the time. In the 20th century, many of his compositions were recovered, while some still remain lost. His most celebrated works were for the organ, including toccatas, preludes, fugues, chaconnes, and chorales. He also composed one passacaglia, which later inspired Bach’s Passacaglia in C Minor. Dietrich’s harpsichord music is mostly lost.
His nineteen organ preludes are considered his greatest contribution to the music of the 17th century. These compositions are sectional, switching between strict counterpoint and improvisation. Bach was inspired by Dietrich’s techniques and his famous prelude and fugue is believed to be influenced by Dietrich’s work.
Personal Life & Legacy
Dietrich Buxtehude married Anna Margarethe, the daughter of Franz Tunder, in 1668. They had seven daughters together. Dietrich’s father and brother came to live with him in Lubeck in the 1670s. Johann Mattheson and George Handel approached Dietrich to be named his successor at the church, but Dietrich required that his successor marry one of his daughters, which was declined by both musicians.
Bach was a great admirer of Dietrich and traveled a long distance to listen to Dietrich’s annual event, Abendmusik, in Lubeck. Dietrich passed away on May 9, 1707, at the age of 70.
Dietrich Buxtehude is known for his inventive and creative compositions, which set him apart from the music of his time. His works were highly intuitive and influenced Italian and Southern German music. He is considered one of the most influential European musicians of all time and is credited with inventing the instrument called toccata.