Dutch music
Organ music
It may not be your thing, but did you know that the Dutch have been at the forefront of organ music for over 500 years? Remember an organ was very hi-tech back then!
One of the fathers of organ music was Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck (1562 – 1621), the organist at the Oude Kerk in Amsterdam from the age of fifteen until his death 44 years later. During this time he achieved fame as improvisor, performer, composer, and teacher.
In Germany he was known as 'Maker of Organists', with such star pupils as Praetorius, Scheidemann and Scheidt, who represented the core of what was to become the North German Organ School, a tradition of playing and composing that culminated in the work of J S Bach. Though he never travelled to England, some of his keyboard works were copied into the manuscript collection known as the Fitzwilliam Virginal Book.
Brass bands
Holland's established brass band culture, for so long centred in its northern towns and cities, is now seeing a welcome resurgence in the south of the country. There are a number of bands which have risen to international acclaim, and you will always find a group of musicians ready to pop up and play whenever the occasion calls for it.
Piano Accordion
Seeing someone playing the piano accordion is still a common site in the Netherlands.
Modern music
Some of the best DJs come from Holland and the latest in electronic music is being created and setting the trends across Europe. This is celebrated annually at the ADE (Amsterdam Dance Event).