Buxtehude: Membra Jesu Nostri & Fried-und Freudenreiche Hinfahrth

Featuring

Jos van Veldhoven
Anne Grimm
Johannette Zomer
Peter de Groot
Andrew Tortise
Bas Ramselaar

De Nederlandse Bachvereniging
Dietrich Buxtehude

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Composer Biography

Dietrich Buxtehude (1637-1707), the composer, was likely a student of Heinrich Scheidemann, an organist in Hamburg and a student of Sweelinck, around 1655.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Buxtehude's Membra Jesu Nostri, not intended for liturgical use, is seen as an expression of his personal religious experience and devotion.

Historical Context

The tablature notation used by Buxtehude was a 'secret writing' for North German organists, primarily for organ music, and was also economical with paper, useful for music sent abroad.

Composition History

Buxtehude's Membra Jesu Nostri is a seven-part cycle from 1680, dedicated to his lifelong friend Gustav Düben, a capellmeister at the Swedish court.

Compositional Technique

The text for Membra Jesu Nostri is based on a medieval passion hymn cycle, 'Salve mundi, salutare,' which meditates on the various body parts of the crucified Christ.

Recording & Production

This recording was made in November 2005 at Waalse Kerk, Amsterdam, Holland, using Bruel & Kjaer 4003 and Schoeps microphones.

Compositional Technique

Buxtehude copied Membra Jesu Nostri in German organ tablature, a notation style using letters and rhythm symbols, which was unusual for vocal music at the time.