In Arnstadt, Bach went to the church to play the new organ and was asked to stay there. The church leaders were very stern. Bach wanted a vacation. The church leaders said he could go, but it was very short. He went to Saint Mary’s Church to hear Buxtehude play the organ. Sebastian had to go a long way. He traveled 200 miles to get there.
He thought that the music was lovely and wanted to stay and learn, but it cost too much. So he just had to learn by hearing it. After listening closely to the Buxtehude’s music, Bach composed new songs.
