Johann Hermann Schein (January 20, 1586 – November 19, 1630) was a prominent German composer of the early Baroque era, known for his significant contributions to both sacred and secular music. Born in Grünhain, Saxony, Schein moved to Dresden following his father's death, where he joined the choir of the Elector of Saxony as a boy soprano and received comprehensive musical training under Kapellmeister Rogier Michael. He pursued studies at Pforta and the University of Leipzig, where he studied law and liberal arts.

Schein's career included a brief tenure as the house music director for Gottfried von Wolffersdorff and a position as Kapellmeister at Weimar. In 1615, he became the Thomaskantor in Leipzig, a prestigious role he held until his death. His work in Leipzig involved directing choral music at the Church of St. Thomas and teaching Latin and music.

Schein was instrumental in introducing Italian Baroque innovations such as monody and the stile concertato to German music, despite never traveling to Italy himself. His compositions, which include both sacred and secular works, often alternated between the two genres, reflecting his intention to cater to both worship and social gatherings. Notable works include the Cantional oder Gesangbuch Augburgischer Konfession, Cymbalum Sionium, and Banchetto musicale, the latter being a significant collection of instrumental variation suites.

Schein's personal life was marked by tragedy, as he suffered from poor health and lost his wife and four of his five children early. He died at the age of 44 in Leipzig, having endured ailments such as tuberculosis, gout, scurvy, and a kidney disorder. Despite these challenges, Schein remains celebrated as one of the foremost German composers of his time, alongside contemporaries like Heinrich Schütz and Samuel Scheidt.