Taverner, John (1490?-1545), was one of the most important English composers of the early 1500’s. He is known primarily for his church music. Taverner’s works contain some of the best English polyphonic music (music in many parts) of the early 1500’s. He wrote settings of most parts of the church liturgy, especially masses. Taverner also composed a few secular songs.
Taverner was born in Tattershall, Lincolnshire, England, where he became a choirboy and later choirmaster. He composed most of his important music between 1520 and 1530. He died on Oct. 18, 1545.
