Samuel Scheidt was a German composer, organist and teacher of the early Baroque era. Scheidt was born in Halle and studied in Amsterdam under Sweelinck, a notable Dutch composer. After returning to Halle, he became court organist and later Kapellmeister for the Margrave of Brandenburg. During the Thirty Years’ War, he stayed in Germany, surviving by teaching and taking smaller jobs. In 1628, he became the musical director of three churches in Halle, including the Market Church. Scheidt was the first significant German composer for the organ, developing a unique north German style influenced by the Protestant Reformation. His music includes instrumental works, primarily for organ, and sacred vocal music, some a cappella and others with accompaniment. He often employed a “patterned variation” technique in his chorale preludes, creating increasingly elaborate variations. His complete works are published in 16 volumes, and many collections feature his chorale preludes, showcasing his lasting impact on music.