Thomas Tallis lived and worked through much of the turbulent Tudor period in England. Unlike many of his contemporaries, he did not just react to radical change, he thrived on it. He helped invent new musical styles to meet the demands of the English Reformation. He revived and reimagined older musical forms for a new era. Fewer than a hundred of his works have survived, but they are incredibly diverse, from miniature settings of psalms and hymns to his monumental 40-voice motet Spem in alium. 

In this new biography, author Kerry McCarthy traces Tallis's long career revisiting the most important documents of his life and a wide variety of his musical works. The book also takes readers on a guided journey along the River Thames to the palaces, castles, and houses where Tallis made music for the four monarchs he served. It ends with reflections on Tallis's will, his epitaph (whose complete text McCarthy has recently rediscovered). Tallis will be treasured by performers, scholars, Tudor enthusiasts, and anyone interested in English Renaissance music.

Available as Book only or Book and CD Special Offer

Book and CD special offer comprises the Tallis book as well as The Sixteen’s stunning Surround-Sound recording of Tallis’s Spem in alium (playable on all CD players).

Please note:

Normal postage rates apply
This book & CD offer is not included in Christmas 20% discount special offer.