SWEELINCK, Jan
b Deventer, c May 1562
d Amsterdam, 16 October 1621, aged fifty-nine

He studied with his father, who was organist at the Oude Kerk in Amsterdam, succeeding his father in this post in 1577 and holding it for the rest of his life. He was never away from Amsterdam for more than a few days in his whole life, travelling no further than Rotterdam, Antwerp and Deventer to advise on the construction and purchase of musical instruments. His income from the Oude Kerk, who permitted him to live in his house rent-free, should have enabled him to take other posts; but the church restricted such activities in order that he should have sufficient free time to teach and compose.

1592 (32)

p Chansons francaises, in three parts

1612 (50)

p Rimes francaises et italiennes

1619 (57)

p Cantiones sacrae

Sweelinck also composed: Psaeumes mis en musique Many organ, harpsichord and choral (sacred and secular)

works.