Domestic Music Scene

This picture contains the only existing image of Friedrich Buxtehude (1637-1707), a Danish-German organist and composer, one of the most important composers in Germany of the mid-Baroque. His organ works represent a central part of the standard organ repertoire and are frequently performed at recitals and in church services. His style strongly influenced many composers, including Johann Sebastian Bach.

The picture shows Buxtehude playing a viol, while his friend Johann Adam Reinken (1623-1722) is at the harpsichord. Johannes Voorhout may be the man in the feather hat.

Suggested listening (streaming mp3, 5 minutes):

Dietrich Buxtehude: Prelude, Fugue and Chaconne, BuxWV 137