Dieterich Buxtehude, born Diderich Hansen Buxtehude around 1637, was a Danish composer and organist of the Baroque period. His exact birthplace is disputed, with some sources suggesting Helsingborg in Scania, Denmark–Norway, and others Oldesloe in Holstein. Buxtehude's father, Johannes, was an organist, and it is assumed that Dieterich received his early musical education from him.

Buxtehude began his career as an organist in Helsingborg and later in Helsingør, during a time when the region was affected by the Dano-Swedish Wars. In 1668, he moved to Lübeck, where he became the organist at the Marienkirche, succeeding Franz Tunder. He married Tunder's daughter, Anna Margarethe, following a common practice of marrying the predecessor's daughter.

Buxtehude's work in Lübeck made the city a hub for musicians, attracting figures like Johann Sebastian Bach and George Frideric Handel. His compositions, particularly for organ, were highly influential, including toccatas, preludes, fugues, and chaconnes. He also composed over 100 church cantatas and initiated the famous Abendmusiken concerts, which became a celebrated tradition in Lübeck.

Dieterich Buxtehude passed away on May 9, 1707, in Lübeck, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important composers of the 17th century. His music, characterized by its devout simplicity, continues to be revered for its influence on later composers and its contribution to the Baroque musical tradition.