Born:
c. 1505 (or 1510)
Birthplace:
Unknown (some books indicate his birthplace as possibly Kent)
Died:
November 23, 1585 in Greenwich, London
Also known as:
English composer known for his mastery of contrapuntal techniques, organist of Benedictine Priory in Dover (1532) and then at London's St. Mary-at-Hill (1537). Around 1538, he joined the Waltham Abbey choir and became clerk at Canterbury Cathedral around 1540. He served at the Chapel Royal as composer and organist, a post he shared with composer William Byrd.
Type of Compositions:
Tallis is primarily known for his church music written in English and Latin text. He also wrote keyboard pieces.
Influence:
There is not much information about Tallis' early years but it is known that Wiiliam Byrd was one of his pupils.
Notable Works:
Queen Elizabeth 1 granted Tallis and Byrd the right to print music and music paper on January 21, 1575. Cantiones sacrae, a collection of 34 motets, became their first publication which came out that same year. Tallis' most notable works are "Lamentations of Jeremiah" (2 settings) and "Spem in alium" (40-part motet).
Interesting Facts:
Aside from Queen Elizabeth 1, Tallis is said to have served 3 other monarchs; Henry VIII, Edward VI and Mary Tudor.