Thomas Tallis Essentials

Thomas Tallis, one of England’s most revered 16th-century Renaissance composers, was known for his beautifully rippling polyphony, which can be found in his myriad liturgical works such as masses and motets. Ranging from pointedly sombre (“Why Fum’th in Fight”) to angelically uplifting (“Spem in alium”), Tallis’ works often feature intersecting vocal lines that find skywardly ascending sopranos trading the forefront with velvety tenor and basslines. Indeed, his choral works were so beloved because of their beatific depiction of the glory of God (“Purge Me, O Lord”).