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Dutch composer, organist and teacher Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck was born in Deventer in April or May 1562. His family moved to Amsterdam in 1564 and his father, who was organist of the Oude Kerk, was his teacher until his father's death in 1573. By 1580, Jan Sweelinck was working in his father's old job at the Oude Kerk, and he remained in this post for the rest of his life.
Jan Sweelinck, who wrote much keyboard and choral music, occupies an important place in the history of the North German organ tradition, and in the development of the beginning of Baroque music. He died in Amsterdam on 16 October 1621, aged fifty-nine.
Spotlight. Speaking from an Earlier Time - Geoff Pearce enjoys vocal music by Sweelinck. '... beautifully performed ...'
Spotlight. A Labour of Love by All Concerned - Gerald Fenech is impressed with music by Sweelinck played on recorders. 'The Royal Wind Music, a flute consort of Renaissance recorders of all pitches, are a constant delight throughout ...'
Ensemble. Plenty of Expressive Contrast - The Sitwell Singers' 2022 Christmas concert, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Idiomatically Handled - The Sitwell Singers' Christmas Concert impresses Mike Wheeler
CD Spotlight. Meltingly Beautiful - Christmas music from the Vasari Singers, unstintingly recommended by Howard Smith. '... exemplary radiant style and élan ...'
CD Spotlight. Sacrificing the 'unmodern' - Music by Julius Röntgen and Per Nørgård, heard by George Balcombe. 'How could any audience resist ... ?'
Ensemble. Telling contributions - Carols from Derby Cathedral, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
CD Spotlight. Breathtaking brevity - Music by Sweelinck and his pupils, reviewed by George Balcombe. '... a brilliant performance ...'
CD Spotlight - Constant enchantment. The 'Cantiones Sacrae' of Sweelinck, with Robert Anderson. 'The Clare College Choir under Timothy Brown has both the intensity and agility to encompass the varied moods of the music.'