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
Psalms
Psalms and chants from the Anglican and Taizé traditions, with two hymns, directed by Peter Chapman. Cantus Choro’s recording shows his love of Anglican psalmody, lively musicianship, and care for phrasing and words.
Victoria Brass Live
A top-class Australian brass band under Matthew van Emmerik in a full, varied programme of innovative repertoire: two world premieres, three Australasian premieres, and some well-loved classics.
Carols Psalms and Anthems
Under the direction of Professor Emeritus Peter Godfrey, CBE, the Trinity College Chapel Choir offers a striking programme of rarely heard carols, psalms and anthems spanning several centuries of sacred choral writing.