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Dietrich Buxtehude was a highly influential Danish-German composer and organist of the Baroque period, renowned for his sacred vocal works and virtuosic organ compositions. He served as organist at St. Mary's Church in Lübeck for nearly 40 years.Born around 1637 in Helsingborg (then Denmark, now Sweden), Buxtehude succeeded Franz Tunder as organist at St. Mary's Church (Marienkirche) in Lübeck in 1668. He held this prestigious position until his death in Lübeck on May 9, 1707. His most famous innovation was the Abendmusiken, public evening concerts held during Advent, attracting musicians from across Europe. His compositions profoundly influenced the development of Baroque music, particularly impacting Johann Sebastian Bach.

• Buxtehude established the famous 'Abendmusiken' (Evening Music) concerts in Lübeck. These were large-scale public performances of sacred music held on five Sunday afternoons during Advent, significantly influencing the development of the public concert tradition.
• A significant condition for his appointment in Lübeck in 1668 was marrying Franz Tunder's eldest daughter, Anna Margarethe. This was a common practice for securing important church positions at the time.
• In 1705, the young Johann Sebastian Bach famously walked over 250 miles from Arnstadt to Lübeck to hear Buxtehude play and study with him, extending his planned short visit to several months without permission from his employers.
• George Frideric Handel and Johann Mattheson also traveled to Lübeck in 1703, hoping to succeed Buxtehude. However, both declined the position when they learned it required marrying Buxtehude's daughter, Anna Margaretha, following the established custom. The position eventually went to Johann Christian Schieferdecker, who married Anna Margaretha in 1707.
• Buxtehude died suddenly on May 9, 1707, shortly after his 70th birthday celebrations. The exact cause of death is unknown.