Pamela Dellal, mezzo soprano
uncommon intelligence, imagination and textual
awareness... |
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Motet Notes
Verily, verily I say unto you: Thomas Tallis [1505-1585]
The life of Thomas Tallis is a mirror of the musical effects of the
Anglican Reformation in England. During the reign of King Edward VI
(1547-1553) it was mandated that the services be sung in English, and
that the choral music be brief and succinct "to each syllable a
plain and distinct note".
Verily, verily is an example of this new English anthem: mainly homophonic,
but with brief moments of imitation. The text comes from Jesus' mystical
words to the disciples regarding the Bread of Life (John 6:53-56). He
retains throughout the piece a simple chordal style, though both his
melodies and harmonies subtly and effectively reflect the sense of the
text.
© Ryan Turner