When was John Taverner born and where did he come from?
John Taverner likely came from the East Midlands, possibly being born in Tattershall, Lincolnshire. No records indicate his parentage or early training before 1524.
Questions about John Taverner
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who appointed John Taverner to Christ Church Oxford and when?
Cardinal Thomas Wolsey appointed John Taverner as Organist and Master of Choristers at Christ Church in 1526. The college had been founded by Wolsey just one year earlier in 1525 under the name Cardinal College.
What happened to John Taverner after Cardinal Wolsey fell from favour in 1529?
Taverner left the college entirely in 1530 after Cardinal Wolsey fell from favour in 1529. He settled eventually in Boston, Lincolnshire, where he lived as a small landowner and reasonably well-off man.
How many voices does John Taverners Missa Corona Spinea have and what do critics say about it?
Frank Pothoven of Luister called John Taverners Missa Corona Spinea an exceptional 6-voice setting while Kate Bolton of BBC Music Magazine praised its unique qualities. Critics describe it as one of the high points of English Sacred music.
Why is John Taverners Missa Gloria tibi Trinitas important for instrumental music?
The Missa Gloria tibi Trinitas gave origin to the style of instrumental work known as an In nomine. This particular section became popular as an instrumental work for viol consort and other composers wrote works modelled on this structure.