The "Passacaglia in D minor" (BuxWV 161) is an organ
work by Dieterich Buxtehude. It is generally
acknowledged as one of his most important works, and
was possibly an influence on Bach's Passacaglia and
Fugue in C minor (BWV 582), as well as Brahms'
music.
Philip Spitta discussed Buxtehude's work in his 1873
Bach biography, and remarked that "for beauty and
importance [Buxtehude's ostinato works] take the
precedence of all the works of the kind of the time,
and are in the first rank of...(+)
The "Passacaglia in D minor" (BuxWV 161) is an organ
work by Dieterich Buxtehude. It is generally
acknowledged as one of his most important works, and
was possibly an influence on Bach's Passacaglia and
Fugue in C minor (BWV 582), as well as Brahms'
music.
Philip Spitta discussed Buxtehude's work in his 1873
Bach biography, and remarked that "for beauty and
importance [Buxtehude's ostinato works] take the
precedence of all the works of the kind of the time,
and are in the first rank of Buxtehude's compositions.
[Indeed], there is no piece of music of that time known
to me which surpasses it, or even approaches it, in
affecting, soul-piercing intensity of expression."
Spitta's opinion was shared by Johannes Brahms.
I similarily felt that the underlying melodies and
intricate harmonies trancended his unique composition
as a baroque period work for organ. As such, I created
this arrangement for Concert (Pedal) Harp to emphasize
it's elegant melodies