Wacław z Szamotuł, also known as Wacław Szamotulski or Venceslaus Samotulinus, was a prominent Polish composer born around 1520 in Szamotuły, near Poznań, and died around 1560 in Pińczów. He is regarded as one of the most outstanding Polish composers of the 16th century, noted for his exceptional talent and education in music.

Wacław studied at the Lubrański Academy in Poznań and later at Kraków University in 1538. He became a composer at the court of Sigismund II Augustus in 1547 or 1548 and was recognized as a "royal composer" by 1555. His music gained recognition beyond Poland during his lifetime. Notably, his motets "In te Domine speravi" and "Ego sum pastor bonus" were the first Polish musical compositions published abroad, showcasing the Franco-Netherlandish influence in his style.

His works include motets and songs, with compositions such as "Alleluja, Chwalcie Pana" and "Modlitwa, gdy dziatki spać idą" being particularly renowned. The latter piece was later used by composer Henryk Górecki in several of his works. Despite his early death at the age of 34, Wacław z Szamotuł left a significant mark on the Polish Renaissance music scene, and his compositions continue to be celebrated for their artistic depth and craftsmanship.