TALLIS: Lamentations of Jeremiah (Musica Sacra) [CD de audio] Chapelle du Roi, Alexander Dixon and Tallis

Thomas Tallis was a composer primarily of sacred works during the English Reformation in the 16th century. He served for forty years as 'Knight of the Chapel Royal', a distinction he received after a short time as organist at Canterbury Cathedral. 'Tallis is dead, and music dies,' declared his most gifted student William Byrd after his teacher's death. Tallis was a survivor of the power struggles at court and church in turbulent England on the threshold of the 16th century. His music shows great mastery, and his works are not forgotten in England. Through this recording, the baroque enthusiast outside England can also enjoy this valuable music, which sounds timeless through its simplicity and beauty. This recording combines the two graceful settings of the 'Lamentations of Jeremiah' and the English adaptations of his best-known motets. This also includes 'Sing and Glorify the High Majesty of Heaven', better known as 'Spem in Alium', Tallis' best-known work. The adaptation of Latin texts into English was an important process around the middle of the 16th century, called 'contrafactum'. Other composers, including John Taverner, also produced these politically charged 'contrafactes'.