Buxtehude [or Boxdehude, or Buchstehude], Dietrich [or Diderich] Oldeslohe, Holstein 1637 - Lubecca 1707 . Dietrich Buxtehude was born in either Holstein or Sweden (both were Danish territories at the time), the son of an organist. Dietrich Buxtehude (composer ca. He was so well liked that he later played in Helsingor. He is probably known to classical modern music enthusiasts as the man who inspired and led the famous Johann Sebastian Bach. Bach’s Passacaglia in C Minor is indebted. Biography. Dietrich Buxtehude is probably most familiar to modern classical music audiences as the man who inspired the young Johann Sebastian Bach to make a lengthy pilgrimage to Lubeck, Buxtehude's place of employment and residence for most of his life, just to hear Buxtehude play the organ. Updates? However, in addition to the keyboard music that so impressed his contemporaries, he also wrote some extraordinary works for trios involving the viola da gamba. In 1485 the immensely wealthy "Master Halepaghen", cousin and tutor of the burgomaster of Hamburg, dies and donates his assets to the town for scholarships and charitable purposes. His most important and influential works are considered to be those for organ, which include toccatas, preludes, fugues, chaconnes, pieces based on chorales, and a passacaglia to which J.S. The family was of German extraction, and branches were located in various parts of Scandinavia, which had close cultural ties with Germany at the time. He left a considerable amount of vocal and instrumental music, much of which was not recovered until the 20th century; much more certainly remains lost. He helped develop the form of the church cantata, later perfected by Bach, and he was just as famous a virtuoso on the organ. It is possible that some were written for the famous Abendmusiken, concerts of mixed vocal and instrumental music held in St. Mary’s in the late afternoons on five Sundays in the year. ], Denmark Death: May 9, 1707 in Lubeck, Germany Dietrich Buxtehude is probably most familiar to modern classical music audiences as the man who inspired the young Johann Sebastian Bach to make a lengthy pilgrimage to Lubeck, Buxtehude's place of employment and residence for most of his life, just to hear Buxtehude play the organ. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. When Buxtehude performed, he often played church hymns and other well-k… Check out our editors' picks to get the lowdown on the movies and shows we're looking forward to this month. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. Dietrich Buxtehude, Dietrich also spelled Dieterich, (born 1637, probably in Oldesloe, Holstein—died May 9, 1707, Lübeck), Danish or German organist and composer of church music, one of the most esteemed and influential composers of his time. Bei seinem Vornamen ist auch die Form Dietrich geläufig. Dieterich Buxtehude (Dietrich, Diderich) (c. 1637 – May 9, 1707) was a German-Danish organist and a highly regarded composer of the Baroque period.His organ works comprise a central part of the standard organ repertoire and are frequently performed at recitals and church services. Dietrich Buxtehude discography and songs: Music profile for Dietrich Buxtehude, born 1637. Buxtehude had an opportunity for early retirement in 1703, when Georg Friederic Handel and Johann Matheson (famous organists both) visited him; Matheson had been thinking of succeeding Buxtehude at his post, but balked at the requirement to marry Buxtehude's daughter Anna Margareta, and the visit came to nought. There, he showed off his skills. He also married the outgoing organist's youngest daughter, Anna Margarethe Tunder, which may have been a condition of taking the post, and certainly was a condition when Buxtehude sought a replacement for himself. Though we do not have copies of much of the work that most impressed his contemporaries, Buxtehude nonetheless left behind a body of vocal and instrumental music which is distinguished by its contrapuntal skill, devotional atmosphere, and raw intensity. It looks like we don't have any Biography for Dietrich Buxtehude yet. There he gained such fame as a composer that the city became a mecca for musicians of northern Germany. Dietrich Buxtehude is probably most familiar to modern classical music audiences as the man who inspired the young Johann Sebastian Bach to make a lengthy pilgrimage to Lubeck, Buxtehude's place of employment and residence for most of his life, just to hear Buxtehude play the organ. Read Full Biography. 3 - 6 sonatas without opus numbers (John Holloway; Ursula Weiss; Jaap ter Linden; Mogens Rasmussen; … See also. Albums include Membra Jesu Nostri (Cantus Cölln/Konrad Junghanel), Sacred Cantatas (Cantus Cölln/Konrad Junghänel), and Complete Chamber Music, Vol. Dietrich Buxtehude is probably most familiar to modern classical music audiences as the man who inspired the young Johann Sebastian Bach to make a lengthy pilgrimage to Lubeck, Buxtehude's place of employment and residence for most of his life, just to hear Buxtehude play the organ. Life. Buxtehude settled at Lübeck in 1688 as organist of St. Mary’s Church. In 1542 the town council of Buxtehude adopted Lutheranism within its domain. List of choral works Born: c. 1637 (an obituary give his age as "about 70") Died: 9 May 1707 Biography. Two of the most famous Abendmusik concerts, held on December 2 and 3, 1705, and commemorating the death of Emperor Leopold I and the ascension of Joseph I, were probably attended by Bach on his pilgrimage. Bach and also composed sacred vocal music along with instrumental music. His exact place of birth is uncertain, and nothing is known of his early youth. He is one of the most important composers of the mid- Baroque period. Buxtehude is best known for his organ music whose historical standing makes him one of the most important composers before Bach. But Buxtehude was a major figure among German Baroque composers in his own right. Dietrich Buxtehude was born in either Holstein or Sweden (both were Danish territories at the time), the son of an organist. Dieterich Buxtehude (Dietrich, Diderich) (c. 1637–9 May 1707) was a German-Danish organist and a highly regarded composer of the Baroque period. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Dietrich-Buxtehude, Naxos Classical Music - Biography of Dieterich Buxtehude, AllMusic - Biography of Dietrich Buxtehude, Classical.net - Biography of Dietrich Buxtehude, Bach Cantatas Website - Biography of Dietrich Buxtehude, Dietrich Buxtehude - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). Johannes moved to Helsingborg in 1638 and to Helsingor in 1641 or 1642, where he stayed until 1671. His vocal works shared the devotion and intellectual rigor of his instrumental work, and were also much admired. The young Handel visited him in 1703, and in 1705 young Bach walked more than 200 miles to see him. There he/she was appointed, in 1657, organist of the Marienkirche. Dieterich Buxtehudehad his first professional organist debut when he was 20 years old. Britannica now has a site just for parents! He was the most important composer of organ music before J.S. Dietrich Buxtehude, Dietrich also spelled Dieterich, (born 1637, probably in Oldesloe, Holstein—died May 9, 1707, Lübeck), Danish or German organist and composer of church music, one of the most esteemed and influential composers of his time. The family was of German extraction, and branches were located in various parts of Scandinavia, which had close cultural ties with Germany at the time. Buxtehude is generally considered the greatest organist between Scheidt and Bach and is regarded as the originator of the German organ toccata. Buxtehude was organist at the Marienkirche for the rest of his life. These performances, instituted by Buxtehude in 1673, became the pride of Lübeck, and their tradition was continued into the 19th century. His organ works comprise a central part of the standard organ repertoire and are frequently performed at recitals and church services. 1637 in Helsingborg [? Historically, Buxtehude's organ music has been studied because of its direct influence on Bach; Buxtehude wrote the first truly idiomatic fugues for the organ and was one of the first to experiment with the structure that Bach later codified into the prelude and fugue. Mai 1707 in Lübeck) war ein dänisch-deutscher Organist und Komponist des Barocks. Artist Biography by Andrew Lindemann Malone Dietrich Buxtehude is probably most familiar to modern classical music audiences as the man who inspired the young Johann Sebastian Bach to make a lengthy pilgrimage to Lubeck, Buxtehude 's place of employment and residence for most of his life, just to hear Buxtehude play the organ. His official duties were to provide congregational chorales and other musical interludes for every service, and to act as treasurer, secretary, and business manager of the church. Buxtehude [or Boxdehude, or Buchstehude], Dietrich [or Diderich]. Dieterich Buxtehude was a prominent composer and organist of the Baroque period. Buxtehude was a 17th century composer and organist from Germany or Denmark. Although these concerts are universally described as extraordinary, and were the basis of most of Buxtehude's contemporary fame, very little music from them has survived. Dietrich Buxtehude. Dietrich Buxtehude, Music Department: Mur murs. Corrections? Buxtehude had become the church's organist in 1668, and within five years had revamped the winter Sunday 'Evening Music' concerts instigated by his predecessor. Dieterich Buxtehude (Dietrich, Diderich) (c. 1637 – 9 May 1707) was a German-Danish organist, lutenist and a highly regarded composer of the Baroque period. Just click the "Edit page" button at the bottom of the page or learn more in the Biography submission guide. Dietrich Buxtehude was born in either Holstein or Sweden (both were Danish territories at the time), the son of an organist. Although his early years remain a mystery, he went on to make a mark with his music as an unparalleled composer of his time. Dietrich Buxtehude was a Danish composer who was later naturalized German. He spent most of his life in Lübeck , where he worked as organist at St. Mary's church. All are imbued with a devout simplicity that contrasts strongly with the elaborations of their Bachian successors. • Prelude, Fugue, and Chaconne BuxWV 137, hypermedia by Jeff Hall and Tim Smith at the BinAural Collaborative Hypertext; Shockwave Player required. Toll Free: 844.350.7189; Tel: 661.250.7189; Fax: 661.250.7195; 26362 Ruether Ave; Santa Clarita, CA 91350-2990 USA; Theodore Front Musical Literature Inc. 1637-1707) - Play streams in full or download MP3 from Classical Archives (classicalarchives.com), the largest and best organized classical music site on the web. He was most famous, however, for his Abendmusik concerts, held following the afternoon service on five Sundays a year and on special occasions. After learning the organ at the feet of his father, Buxtehude became organist at his father's former church in Helsingor in 1657 or 1658; he then moved to a German-speaking congregation in Helsingborg in 1660. Biography. Their texts are rarely liturgical; the Bible, the hymnbook, and sacred verse of the time are their main sources. By now "Buxtehude" is self-governing and rapidly growing into a centre of trade. View the Wikipedia article on Dietrich Buxtehude.. The family was of German extraction, and branches were located in various parts of Scandinavia, which had close cultural ties with Germany at the time. Biography, musicologyand essential works. Country: Germany Birth: ca. His organ works comprise a central part of the standard organ repertoire and are frequently performed at recitals and church services. Dietrich Buxtehude (Composer) - Short Biography. The organ works and sacred vocal compositions of the Danish composer Dietrich Buxtehude (1637-1707) are the culmination of the North German school of composition in the 17th century.. Dietrich Buxtehude was born in either Holstein or Sweden (both were Danish territories at the time), the son of an organist. Genres: Baroque Music, Chamber Music, Choral. Beside biography of Dietrich Buxtehude, we also provide a lot of biographies of other famous people. By bringing the start time forward - no doubt to catch the attention of music-loving regular churchgoers - Buxtehude built up a loyal local audience, and word spread beyond Lübeck. Dietrich Buxtehude. No documentation exists for Buxtehude's birth, though he said late in life that he was a native Dane. Biography. Omissions? Be the first to contribute! By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. Since his father, Johannes, was organist and schoolmaster at Oldesloe, Denmark, until 1638, it is a reasonable guess that Dietrich was born there. Buxtehude is best known for his organ music whose historical standing makes him one of the most important composers before Bach. After Buxtehude died on May 9, 1707, the church found another organist willing to marry his daughter. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Get exclusive access to content from our 1768 First Edition with your subscription. The preludes are usually brief, and, with one exception, they are unlike Bach’s in having no thematic connection with the fugues that follow them. Buxtehude decided to stop following in his father's footsteps when the prestigious position of organist at the Marienkirche in Lubeck became available; after several others were rejected, Buxtehude got the job on April 11, 1668. He performed at Helsingborg. Biography . Buxtehude is best known for his organ music whose historical standing makes him one of the most important composers before Bach. Buxtehude’s duties as church organist included composing works for public festivals and for the marriages and funerals of the great merchant families of the city. Dietrich Buxtehude … It is usually assumed that he began his musical education with his father, who was organist at Helsingborg (c. 1638–41) and at Helsingør (Elsinore; c. 1642–71), both then part of Denmark. Both young men hoped to succeed the master at Lübeck, but marriage to one of his daughters was a condition and each found it unacceptable. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Soon after his performance at Helsingor, he was hired as an organist in the town, working for St. Mary’s church. Biography of Dietrich Buxtehude (1637-1707) German composer, born about 1637. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. He is best known for his organ works which are … Most of the harpsichord music has been lost. Buxtehude belongs to the generation of organists before Johann Sebastian Bach, who, like Handel, once travelled to Lübeck to hear the master perform at the Marienkirche, where he served as organist for forty years, from 1667 until his death in 1707. Dieterich Buxtehude (* um 1637 wahrscheinlich in Helsingborg; 9. His exact place of birth is uncertain, and nothing is known of his early youth. He/She went to Halsingborg (Sweden) with his father, organist, in 1639. The vocal music consists chiefly of church cantatas in a variety of forms, more than 100 of which are extant. Dietrich Buxtehude (or Dieterich according to Danish spelling) (born about 1637; died May 9, 1707) was a German (or Danish) composer and organist. Biography by Andrew Lindemann Malone. In the early part of his career, Buxtehude often traveled, performing at St. Mary’s and St. Olai’s, where his father still performed often. Well-known and respected during his lifetime, he was what might be called, today, a composer's composer. Oldeslohe, Holstein 1637 - Lubecca 1707 . Dieterich Buxtehude (German pronunciation: [ˈdiːtəʁɪç bʊkstəˈhuːdə], also Dietrich; Danish Diderich [ˈdidǝʁɪk buksdǝˈhuːðǝ], equivalent to the modern Diderik; c. 1637-1639 - May 1707) was a German-Danish organist and composer of the Baroque period. The page or learn more in the Biography submission guide composers before.. Composed sacred vocal music consists chiefly of church cantatas in a variety forms! These performances, instituted by Buxtehude in 1673, became the pride of Lübeck, and tradition. 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