Sweelinck, Jan Pieterszoon (1562-1621)

Dutch composer, organist, harpsichordist, and teacher. He was the first composer to write an independent part for the pedal keyboard (pedalboard) in organ works, a technique which reached its peak in J S Bach's organ compositions. He taught many of the next generation's organists of the German school.

He studied under his father, Pieter Sweelinck, who became organist at the Old Church at Amsterdam in 1566. His father died in 1573 and he succeeded to his post between 1577 and 1580, holding it to his death. His music was influenced by the English virginalists and the Venetian organists. The poet Joost van den Vondel (1587-1679) wrote an epitaph on his death.

Works Sacred and secular music four books of psalms for four to eight voices, including three books of Psalms of David (1604-14), Cantiones sacrae for several voices; organ fantasias, toccatas, and chorale variations; harpsichord pieces; chansons for five voices, Rimes françoises et italiennes.