Melchior Schildt

Melchior Schildt (* 1592 or 1593 in Hannover, † May 18, 1667 ) was a German composer and organist of the North German organ school.

Life and work

Melchior Schildt learned first music lessons probably by his father and by the cantor and composer Andreas Crappius. From 1609 to 1612 he probably was a pupil of Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck in Amsterdam. His first known appointment was Schildt 1623 at St Mary's to Wolfenbüttel. This office he held until 1626, after which he was court organist at Christian IV of Denmark. After him from the king an approving dismissal certificate was issued in 1629, he took over his father's place as organist at the Market Church of Hanover, he should hold until his death.

Schildt was married twice. From his second marriage four children were born, two of whom her father survived. After Schildts Testament provisions to judge, he was a wealthy man.

Almost all of Schildt's surviving organ works are chorale settings and have major differences. The only surviving vocal work is a choral concert on Oh my heart Jesulein.