Jan Pietersz. Sweelinck (1562-1621)

Composer, organist and harpsichordist Jan Pietersz Sweelinck (1562-1621) was born into a Catholic family. By 1577, he was the Oude Kerk organist. After the Alteration he regularly gave free weekday concerts. Sweelinck’s improvisations and his virtuosity earned him a reputation as the ‘Orpheus on the Amstel’. He influenced many generations of composers, including Johann Sebastian Bach.

Jan Pietersz. Sweelinck (1562-1621)

Composer, organist and harpsichordist Jan Pietersz Sweelinck (1562-1621) was born into a Catholic family. By 1577, he was the Oude Kerk organist. After the Alteration he regularly gave free weekday concerts. Sweelinck’s improvisations and his virtuosity earned him a reputation as the ‘Orpheus on the Amstel’. He influenced many generations of composers, including Johann Sebastian Bach.