Today marks the 300th anniversary of the death of the composer and organist Dieterich Buxtehude. Your first reaction to this news may be Buxte-Who? Buxtehude was a renowned composer of organ, choral and instrumental music who influenced the music of Johann Sebastian Bach.
After serving as an organist at several German churches, he attained the position of organist of the Marien Church at Lübeck, one of the most important in northern Germany on April 11, 1668. Besides completing official duties at church services, he composed keyboard, vocal, and instrumental music. However, he became famous for directing a concert series known as the Abendmusiken where he introduced sacred dramatic works to the programs. His musical contemporaries considered these works to be as good as operas.
Free performances of his organ works by John Scott will be held on May 12, 19 and 26 at 4:00 p.m. at St. Thomas Church on Fifth Avenue and 53rd Street in New York City. Before going, feel free to check out Buxtehude's music at the Westport Public Library.