Hans Leo Hassler was a German composer and organist born in 1564 in Nuremberg. He is best known for his contributions to early Baroque music and for his sacred choral works. Hassler's compositions often blended traditional polyphony with emerging styles of the time, making him a significant figure in the transition from the Renaissance to the Baroque period. Hassler studied in Venice under the renowned composer Giovanni Gabrieli, which influenced his musical style. He held various positions in churches and courts throughout Germany, and his works include motets, hymns, and instrumental music. Hassler passed away in 1612, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of classical music.