Prelude and Fugue in G Minor, BuxWV 163

Dieterich Buxtehude (c. 1637/39 – 9 May 1707) was a Danish organist and composer of the Baroque period, whose works for the organ represent a central part of the standard organ repertoire usually performed at recitals and church services.

As a composer who worked in various vocal and instrumental idioms, Buxtehude's style greatly influenced other composers, such as his student Johann Sebastian Bach. Historically, Buxtehude is among the important composers of the mid-Baroque period in Germany.

BuxWV 163 is in six sections, and is a sort of combination of 3 preludes and fugues. It is written for manuals only, although a "silent" Pedal coupled to the manuals will help in a few large stretches.

I find this work as being quite rhapsodic, with improvisatory and fugal sections leading nicely into and out of one another.

As always, Buxtehude's wonderful harmonies are brilliantly conceived, and even include a few surprises here and there.

Charles Tournemire (1870-1939) must have thought highly of this work, as he included it in his "Passacaile, chacones, préludes et fugues, toccatas, canzonette", which was published in 1923.

The score, as well as the collection by Tournemire are attached below. Also attached is the only known portrait of Buxtehude, found in "A Musical Party," painted by Johannes Voorhout in 1674. I've also included DB's signature, and a shot of the Buxtehude House, and a plaque marking its significance.