What is Buxtehude's most important contribution to music?

Buxtehude's most important contribution to music is widely recognized as his organ preludes. These works are significant not just for their technical proficiency, but for their innovative approach to form, melody, and harmony in the early Baroque period. Buxtehude was a master of the organ and his preludes often feature intricate counterpoint and rich harmonic language, showcasing the capabilities of the instrument and setting a standard for future composers.

His organ music includes a variety of styles and influences, blending elements from the North German school with Italian influences. This resulted in a distinctively expressive style that paved the way for later composers, such as J.S. Bach, who admired Buxtehude's work and even spent time studying his compositions.

While Buxtehude's other contributions, such as his choral works and vocal compositions, are also valued and played an essential role in the development of sacred music, it is his organ preludes that have had the most enduring impact on the landscape of Western classical music. They remain a significant part of the organ repertoire, influencing generations of organists and composers alike.