Hans Leo Hassler

Late renaissance German composer Hans Leo Hassler (1562-1612) was born in Nuremburg, yet learned his craft in Venice under the Gabrielis. Returning to Germany in 1586, Hassler was engaged at the court of Octavian Fugger II in Augsburg; he worked in this position until Octavian died in 1600. Afterward he held a number of posts, but settled in Ulm from 1605. A highly prolific composer and publisher, Hassler wrote Latin and German sacred music, Italian and German songs, chamber music, and works for organ. Hassler was one of the last great renaissance composers and his work is comparable to Orlande Lassus.