Thomas Tallis was an English composer who occupies a primary place in anthologies of English church music, and is considered one of England’s greatest composers. He is honoured for his original voice in English musicianship. No contemporary portrait of Tallis survives: that painted by Gerard Vandergucht (illustration), dates from 150 years after Tallis died, and there is no reason to suppose that it is a likeness. In a rare existing copy of his black letter signature, the composer spelled his last name "Tallys." Tallis’s better-known works from the Elizabethan years include his settings of the "Lamentations of Jeremiah the Prophet" for Holy Week services and the unique motet "Spem in alium" written for eight five-voice choirs. Tallis is mostly remembered for his role in composing office hymns and the "Spem in alium" motet. Too often we forget to look at his compositions for other monarchs; several of Tallis’s anthems written in Edward’s reign, such as this one ("If Ye Love Me"), ought to be considered on the same level as his Elizabethan works. [WIKIPEDIA]