Dietrich Buxtehude’s Membra Jesu nostri BuxWV 75 is an allegorical musical statement considering the body of Christ on the cross. Composed in 1680 and comprising seven cantatas of six movements, each cantata describes a part of the anatomy.

Eschewing the sentimental and the sensational, Buxtehude draws a refined scene of quiet contemplation and adoration, as the gaze of the observer rises from the feet of Christ (Ad pedes), to the knees (Ad genua), hands (Ad manus), side (Ad latus), chest (Ad pectus), heart (Ad cor) and finally, to the face (Ad faciem).

It is the largest of the oratorio-style works written by Buxtehude, whom JS Bach famously walked 250 miles from Arnstadt to Lübeck just to meet. Annoying his employer no end, Bach unilaterally extended his month’s leave to stay on in Lübeck and only returned to work four months later.

Perhaps the Young Bach was also considering succeeding the ageing Buxtehude. However, as was customary at the time, the incoming candidate was expected to marry the daughter of the outgoing organist. The potential bride being 10 years older than Bach and apparently considerably heavier, the union did not eventuate.