While remembered primarily for his innovative choral writing, Thomas Tallis also was an active organist throughout his long and prolific life. Given this, as well as the inordinate diversity of these 23 mostly brief works (the majority lasting less than two minutes), we can only regret that (according to Rachelle Taylor’s notes) this collection represents only a fraction of Tallis’ total keyboard output, the rest having been lost. Judging from the quality of these few remaining works it’s evident that Tallis displays an affinity for keyboard writing on par with any other composer of his generation.
Nearly all of the pieces here were composed for the English Chapel Royal where Tallis was in residence for most of his career. Pensive organ selections such as the opening Per havec nos and following Clarifica me pater (three versions), as well as the more vibrant Natus est nobis hodie, reedy Gloria tibi Trinitas, and processional Veni Redemptor gentium (two versions), couldn’t be more ideally suited for such a spiritually sublime setting. The virginal and harpsichord works included are equally delightful–and fascinating in contrast to the sacred fare. The longest selections–two Felix namque settings from the Fitzwilliam Virginal Book–are remarkably progressive exercises where momentum is often hindered by an imaginatively conceived series of rhythmic variations.
Atma’s audiophile sound is outstanding, with remarkable clarity and presence. In sum, this is a wonderful, well-conceived program that benefits not only from fine, authoritative playing, but also from the listener-friendly way the pieces are organized to maximize the different instrumental timbres.
