Thomas Tallis
(1505-1585)
contributed by Uriana Ponson
Thomas Tallis was an English composer and organist. He served as an organist for four English monarchies, including in the Royal Chapel. He received a monopoly right from Queen Elizabeth I to produce vocal music.
Tallis' music has a wide variety, but mostly he wrote choral music, in older Latin motet style and newer English Anthem style. "His polyphony is often primarily chordal or homophonic." Technical counterpoint didn't interest him. "His settings have a consequent air of serenity about them that arises from the straight-forward musical means used to develop melodic ideas."
His biggest achievement is his sacred Latin choral music. Most of his work is conservative, but with an air of creativity. On of his most famous pieces, the motet "Spem in Aluim" he used forty voices, the largest set of voices in Renaissance history. His last composition is the most respected one, "The Lamentations of Jeremiah." "This fine dramatic piece contains wonderful melodies, finely wrought counterpoint, and delicious dissonances; for its wealth of invention and expressive intensity, it is unique not only in Tallis' output but in English Renaissance music as a whole."
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