Thomas Tallis
Thomas Tallis wrote the sacred vocal music that still defines English Renaissance polyphony: dense, luminous counterpoint that can turn from spare Anglican clarity to seven-voice splendour and the famous forty-part Spem in alium.
His Latin writing runs from early Marian antiphons to the Gloria of Missa Puer natus est nobis, with its cross-relations and cantus-firmus craft, and on to motets such as O nata lux and the Lamentations. English anthems like If ye love me answer the call for plain, syllabic sense; the Parker psalm tunes still shape Anglican worship, one of them living on as Tallis's Canon. Late pieces push further still. In jejunio sets its Lenten text at a deliberately low pitch; Derelinquat impius refuses a stable centre. Whether for chapel, court or home, the music balances English cadence with continental imitation and rewards close listening.
Compositions by Thomas Tallis appear on
Christmas to Candlemas
Ensemble Gombert is one of Australia’s finest choral groups. Directed by John O’Donnell – organist, harpsichordist and highly respected academic – the ensemble is known for historically informed performances of Renaissance and later choral repertoire.