The Echo Fantasias, such as the one in A minor on this album, feature sections with a contrapuntal exposition, a middle section using an echo of contrasted timbre, and a final toccata-like section.
Performer Biography
James David Christie, the organist on this recording, was the first American to win first prize at the Bruges International Organ Competition in 1979.
Compositional Technique
Sweelinck's instrumental music often employs contrapuntal techniques found in his vocal works, with added characteristic keyboard figuration.
Recording & Production
This recording features James David Christie performing on the C. B. Fisk Organ at Houghton Chapel, Wellesley College, U. S. A.
Composer Biography
Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck spent his entire professional career in Amsterdam, where he was organist of the Oude Kerk, a position he held for 44 years.
Composer Biography
Sweelinck, like Johann Sebastian Bach in a later generation, was an acknowledged expert on organ construction and advised many Dutch cities.
