Schein, Johann Hermann (1586–1630)

German composer. His music is influenced by Lutheran chorales and by the latest expressive techniques of the early Italian madrigalists.

After the death of his father, a Lutheran pastor, he went to Dresden as a choirboy in the court chapel in 1599, to the grammar-school at Schulpforta in 1603, and to Leipzig University in 1607. In 1615 he was appointed Kapellmeister at the court of Weimar and in 1616 succeeded Seth Calvisius as cantor at St Thomas's School, Leipzig, remaining there until his death.

Works Sacred and secular music Cantiones sacrae for 5–12 voices; 2 volumes of sacred concertos for 3–5 voices with instruments; Fontana d'Israel containing biblical words set for 4–5 voices and instruments; Cantional hymn-book with about 80 tunes of his own; wedding and funeral cantatas.

Songs songs for 5 voices, including Venus-Kränzlein, Studenten-Schmaus, Diletti pastorali; instrumental dances Banchetto musicale; songs with instruments Musica boscareccia.