O lux beata Trinitas

Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck (April or May, 1562 in Deventer – 16 October 1621 in Amsterdam) was a Dutch composer, organist, and pedagogue whose work straddled the end of the Renaissance and beginning of the Baroque eras. He was among the first major keyboard composers of Europe, and his work as a teacher helped establish the north German organ tradition.
He was born in Deventer, Netherlands, in April or May 1562. Soon after Sweelinck's birth, the family moved to Amsterdam, where from about 1564, Pieter Swybbertszoon served as organist of the Oude Kerk.

According to Cornelis Plemp, a pupil and friend of Sweelinck's, he started his 44-year career as organist of the Oude Kerk in 1577, when he was 15. Sweelinck's first published works date from around 1592–94. He died of unknown causes on 16 October 1621 and was buried in the Oude Kerk.
The composer most probably spent his entire life in Amsterdam, only occasionally visiting other cities in connection with his professional activities: he was asked to inspect organs, give opinions and advice on organ building and restoration, etc. His popularity as a composer, performer and teacher increased steadily during his lifetime. Contemporaries nicknamed him Orpheus of Amsterdam and even the city authorities frequently brought important visitors to hear Sweelinck's improvisations, and his compositional influence spread as far as England and Sweden.

Tomorrow is Trinity Sunday, and this fine setting is based upon the hymn, "O lux beata Trinitas" (O Trinity of blessed Light).

There are two verses, the second being grander than the first, as the Choral is proclaimed in the top voice. In listening to Sweelinck's music, I always feel that I am hearing "something new," as the harmonies are a little "different" from what I expect, and the invention and energy are always admirable.

The score is attached below, as well as a portrait of Sweelinck, as well as several photos of the Oude Kerk.

More "Trinity music" tomorrow! :-)