Posthumous Knighthood for Thomas Tallis

Thomas Tallis, the Father of English Cathedral Music, was one of the most gifted composers of the European High Renaissance.  He served four of the five monarchs of the Tudor Dynasty, singing, playing, composing, directing and teaching, faithfully nurturing the musical life of the infant Anglican church while holding to his private Catholic beliefs.  He labored under difficult, dangerous circumstances and maintained the loftiest standards of  musicianship, citizenship and personal integrity through it all to the end.  His vast influence as composer and teacher has flowed in an unbroken line from the chapels and cathedrals of his day to the churches and concert halls of our own.