Discover the fascinating world of Baroque organ improvisation with Dutch master Sietze de Vries, who can spontaneously create 45-minute fugal treatments in the style of Bach and Buxtehude. In this captivating conversation, Sietze reveals how he developed his extraordinary improvisational abilities by learning music as a "native language" from childhood, rather than starting with written notation. From growing up surrounded by 50 historic organs in the Netherlands to his international career performing on instruments dating back to Gothic times, Sietze shares insights that will transform how you think about musical education and creativity.

We explore why improvisation—once standard practice for Bach, Liszt, and César Franck—has virtually disappeared from modern conservatory training, and discuss the ongoing tension between traditional sacred music and contemporary worship styles. Sietze offers practical advice for developing improvisation skills, compares different European organ building traditions, and shares his philosophy on what makes truly effective church music. This episode is essential listening for musicians, music educators, church leaders, and anyone interested in the intersection of faith, tradition, and artistic excellence in our modern world.

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