Biography
A decade-long stretch of Schildt's career as an organist remains without documentation, although his studies under his father and Crappius are confirmed, followed by instruction from Sweelinck in Amsterdam between 1609 and roughly 1612. He assumed the organist post at the Hauptkirche in Wolfenbüttel by 1623, entered the service of King Christian IV in Copenhagen in 1626, and occupied the bench at the Marktkirche in Hanover from 1629 until his death. All but one of his extant works were conceived for keyboard, the single exception being a vocal piece. Sweelinck's manner is unmistakable in "Herr Christ, der einig Gotts Sohn," while "Magnificat I, modi" asserts Schildt's independent voice through its layout in five sections that integrate chorale fantasias and ricercares. "Paduana Lachrymae" displays refined timbres, yet the chorale concerto "Ach mein herzliebes Jesulein"—his only surviving vocal work—remains a hallmark for the way its musical setting conveys the text with paradigmatic expression and feeling.