Dietrich Buxtehude (1637–1707) was a Danish-German organist now considered one of the most important composers of the mid-Baroque in Germany. His organ works represent a central part of the standard organ repertoire and are frequently performed in recitals and church services. He composed in a wide variety of vocal and instrumental idioms, and his style strongly influenced many composers, including Johann Sebastian Bach, his student. At right is the only known portrait of him.

Our prelude, Passacaglia in D minor (BuxWV 161), is generally acknowledged as one of Buxtehude’s most important works, and may have influenced Bach’s Passacaglia and Fugue in C minor (BWV 582). The work is in 3/2 time with a four-bar ostinato pattern. There are four sections exploring a total of three keys. The first section is in D minor (the tonic), the second in F major (the relative major), the third in A minor (the dominant), and the fourth returns to D minor. The sections are connected by short modulatory passages. Each section contains seven variations on the seven-note ostinato. Buxtehude’s lifelong interest in numerology is exhibited in the passacaglia's intricate structure. The numbers 4 and 7 are the foundation of the entire piece. The ostinato pattern is composed of 7 notes in 4 bars, and it appears 28 times (4 × 7 = 28). There are 4 sections, each 28 bars long. The non-thematic bars (three interludes, each 3 bars long, an upbeat bar at the beginning and the last bar for the final chord) add up to 11 (4 + 7 = 11).

Our offertory, “Erhalt uns Herr bei deinem Wort” (BuxWV 185) (“Preserve us, Lord, with your word”), is based on a hymn written by Martin Luther himself in 1541. The text continues, “and control the murderous rage of the Pope and the Turks, who would want to cast down Jesus Christ, your son, from his throne” (!). This exquisitely beautiful chorale prelude belies such sentiments.

Our postlude, Fugue in C major (BuxWV 174), is a delightful little jig that will put a skip in your step as you make your way out the door. Or you can tap your toes as you sit and listen.

You can watch the video of last Sunday’s late service here. /Robert Greene

701 Florida Avenue | Bristol, TN 37620 | 423-764-7176 | fpcbristol.org