Hans Leo Hassler

HASSLER, Hans (Johann) Leo. b. Nürnberg, 1564 (baptized 26 October); d. Frankfurt-am-Main, 8 June 1612. He was born into a family that was both musical (his father and two brothers were musicians) and prosperous. Like his younger contemporary Heinrich Schütz* he completed his musical education with a visit to Italy. In 1584 he went to Venice, where he came into contact with the Gabrielis, Zarlino, and Merulo. This visit was important in the development of his musical idiom, which combined Germanic features with Italianate elements such as the madrigal, polychoral textures and the combination of voices and instruments. In 1586 he was appointed organist in the Fugger household at Augsburg. In...