Michael Praetorius

German composer, organist and music theorist (born circa 15th February 1571, Creuzburg, Thuringia [Free State], - died 15th February 1621, Wolfenbüttel, ).
Praetorius was one of the most versatile composers of his age, being particularly significant in the development of musical forms based on Protestant hymns. He is also the author of liturgical music performances & practices - such as his three-volume treatise 'Syntagma Musicum', published between 1614 & 1620.
Praetorius is a Latinized form of his family name of Schultze, adopted from his latter work and familiarity with the Venetian influences in his solo-voice, polychoral, and instrumental compositions.