Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

Dietrich Buxtehude (1637-1707) was one of the chief figures of Baltic music of his time, working in Denmark, Sweden and northern Germany. Although Buxtehude never held a position that required him to write vocal music, he left over 100 works in a wide range of styles. This budget reissue of a CD first released on the Decapo label is a very good place to start, particularly as it features the wonderful soprano, Emma Kirkby. Indeed, the presence of Ms Kirby will be sufficient recommendation for many as she is a truly remarkable singer and totally at home with Buxtehude's vocal music. As for the music, it is best described as "Protestant Baroque", much closer to Bach than to the "Catholic Baroque" of Vivaldi. Indeed Bach greatly admired Buxtehude as an organist and walked to Lübeck in order to spend three months studying under him. To be brutally honest, Buxtehude does not stand up well when compared with Bach or Handel. He writes some pleasant melodies but there is little on this disc that makes us really sit up and take notice. Having said that, aficionados who cannot get enough baroque music will enjoy this.

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