In between, Hassler is believed to have traveled to Italy to study at the behest of the aristocratic Fugger family, possibly with Andrea Gabrieli.
Dogged by a second paternity suit in Hechingen that was later dismissed, Hassler attempted to succeed his brother Hans Leo in Augsburg.
He died in Prague, having last picked up his salary payment on 23 April 1621; the next time they were received, on 29 September 1622, the receipt was signed by the composer's widow, Leonora Hassler.
Although Hassler's vocal works were highly regarded in their day and remain the most extensive part of his overall catalog, they are little studied and Grove dubs them "unremarkable."
Nevertheless, Hassler's seven surviving keyboard works, consisting of three ricercars, a toccata, a fugue, fantasy, and a canzona, are of seminal importance as they seamlessly combine Venetian, German, and Franco-Flemish practices under one roof.