The Tallis Scholars: English Polyphony

Three composers who have formed the cornerstone of this revered choir’s repertoire for over 50 years form a dazzling portrait of English early music.

“English sacred music of the 16th century has formed the backbone of everything The Tallis Scholars have done, right from the beginning,” writes Peter Phillips, their founder and conductor. This is a programme rooted in their home turf, from the spacious textures and bold adventure of Tallis to the intricate, virtuosic church music of his contemporary Christopher Tye, who wrote much of his music for the resonant acoustic of Ely Cathedral – and it shows.

Taverner’s sublime mix of native tradition and continental European technique – a synthesis of simplicity and sophistication – completes a programme that demonstrates the richness, variety and innovation of a glorious century of English music.