Cultural factors in seventeenth-century northern Germany are best reflected in which work?

The work that best reflects the cultural factors in seventeenth-century northern Germany is Dietrich Buxtehude's organ preludes. During this period, northern Germany was a hub for the development of organ music, particularly in the Lutheran tradition. Buxtehude was a prominent composer and organist known for his significant contributions to this genre. His preludes showcase a blend of improvisational styles, intricate counterpoint, and a deep sense of spirituality that resonated with the cultural and religious sentiments of the time.

The organ music of this era often served as an essential part of church services, helping to establish a rich musical atmosphere that accompanied worship. Buxtehude's works exemplify the innovations of Baroque music while remaining rooted in the Lutheran liturgical context, making his organ preludes a direct reflection of the cultural and religious identity of northern Germany in the seventeenth century.