Dietrich [Diderik Hansen] Buxtehude was an organist and composer of the Baroque period. Not only the year, but also the country of his birth is uncertain and disputed. Since he spent his early years in Helsingborg in Skåne, at the time part of Denmark, he is by some considered a Danish composer. Others, however, claim that he was born at Oldesloe in the Duchy of Holstein, (now Germany), which at that time was a part of the Danish Monarchy. Later in his life he Germanized his name, his new name being Dietrich Buxtehude. His early youth and birthplace remain a mystery. Most scholars recognize that he studied music with his father, Johann, who had a great influence on him. J.S. Bach did meet him and study for several months in 1705 and 1706.

In music, a canzonetta was a popular Italian secular vocal composition which originated around 1560. In its earlier versions it was somewhat like a madrigal but lighter in style; but by the 18th century, especially as it moved outside of Italy, the term came to mean a song for voice and accompaniment, usually in a light secular style.

This delightfully airy "Canzonetta" was originally composed by Dietrich Buxtehude for organ.It is easy to see why Buxtehude became such a prominent influence on J.S. Bach. In the autumn of 1705, Johann Sebastian Bach traveled to Lübeck to learn what he could from the this now famous organist, Buxtehude. Accounts suggest that his organ playing changed dramatically as a result.

Although originally created for organ, I adapted this work for piano an incorporated what I believe are accurate baroque articulations and ornaments. It is best played using the "GeneralUser GS.sf2" Soundfont by S. Christian Collins Software (http://www.schristiancollins.com/generaluser.php).