Dieterich Buxtehude

The Danish-German baroque composer and organist Dieterich Buxtehude was born in approximately 1637, possibly in Helsingborg or Oldesloe. His father, Johannes Buxtehude, was organist at St Olai Church in Helsingør, and Dieterich too made his living as an organist, first in Helsingborg, later in Helsingør (Elsinore) and finally at the Marienkirche in Lübeck. His successful position in Lübeck became the model for later composers such as Handel and J S Bach.

Buxtehude died in Lübeck on 9 May 1707.

Until early in the twentieth century, Buxtehude was considered primarily a composer of organ and harpsichord works, but a profound interest in vocal music is indicated by more than a hundred surviving vocal compositions.

A selection of articles about Dieterich Buxtehude

CD Spotlight. Touching Moments that Stir the Soul - Gerald Fenech listens to J S Bach, Buxtehude and Schütz, performed by Iestyn Davies and colleagues. 'The richness of the music is matched by the glorious singing and playing of Jonathan Cohen's team ...'

Ensemble. Very Convincing - Lucas Ball listens to Bach and Buxtehude at last month's Three Choirs Festival in Worcester UK

Mozart Changes - Carleton Etherington's organ recital at Derby Cathedral, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Absolutely Enthralling - Music for brass and organ, strongly recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'Barbara Bruns and the Thompson Brass Ensemble give dazzling performances full of compelling virtuosity and brilliantly executed musical stunts that never fail to surprise ...'

CD Spotlight. Great Sensuality - Caroline Howald's Ensemble Isabella d'Este impresses Gerald Fenech. 'Performances are overflowing with impassioned commitment ...'

A Box of Wonders - Printemps des Arts de Monte Carlo, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi

Sharply Focused - John Scott at the organ of Derby Cathedral delights Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Prime Objective - Buxtehude from Magdalen College, Oxford, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... consistently refreshing and spontaneous ...'

CD Spotlight. An Enriching Experience - The Repast Baroque Ensemble, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... delectable performances ...'

A Challenging Listen - Peter Gould at the organ of Derby Cathedral, heard by Terence Bennett

DVD Spotlight. Curiously Uninvolved - Thibault Cauvin's travels in China, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... a catalogue of missed opportunities.'

CD Spotlight. Great Character - German Baroque from the Hanoverian Ensemble, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... another treasure trove of wonderful music ...'

Liszt with Languid Ease - Christopher Herrick at Derby Cathedral, heard by Tony Westerman

Sensitively Played - A recital by Stephen Disley, heard by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Chicago Baroque - Trio Settecento's A German Bouquet, recommended by Malcolm Tattersall. '... very fine performances of some rarely heard but attractive music ...'

Effectively Projected - York Minster's Robert Sharpe plays the organ at Derby Cathedral, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Multi-tasking - Peter Gould plays the organ at Derby Cathedral, reviewed by Tony Westerman

In Perfect Balance - Mike Wheeler listens to the last of Derby Cathedral's 2007 summer organ recitals

Grand Scale - Mike Wheeler attends summer organ recitals by Tom Corfield and Johan Hermans

Compelling Effect - Malcolm Archer at the organ of Derby Cathedral, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Richness and Clarity - Ashley Grote opens Derby Cathedral's series of summer organ recitals, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Noble and Moving - An organ recital by Andrew Nethsingha, appreciated by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Richness and warmth - The Netherlands Bach Society at Florida's Tropical Baroque Festival, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen

Record box - Creative glue. Buxtehude and the sonata, heard by Basil Ramsey