Tallis, << TAL ihs, >> Thomas (1505?-1585), was an English composer of religious vocal music during the Renaissance period. Tallis’ earlier music was written for the Roman Catholic Church. It was complicated, with many interweaving voices known as counterpoint, and used Latin words. Later, under the Protestant Queen Elizabeth I, Tallis composed anthems (choral pieces with English words). His late music is less elaborate and more expressive. Spem in alium, a spectacular unaccompanied choral work called a motet, is often performed by choruses today. With his younger colleague William Byrd, Tallis shared the post of organist at the Chapel Royal, the queen’s private chapel. In 1575, the two composers published a famous collection called Cantiones sacrae (Sacred Music). Tallis’ birthplace is unknown. He died on Nov. 23, 1585.
Loading the player...Spem in alium (motet)
