On Listening to Thomas Tallis

Summary

The article "On Listening to Thomas Tallis" discusses the author's profound emotional response to the motet "Spem In Alium" by Thomas Tallis and other transcendent pieces of music.

Abstract

The author of the article expresses a deep connection with the motet genre, particularly Tallis' "Spem In Alium," which evokes a sense of entering an alternate world. The piece's effect is described as transcendent, with an inner force that surpasses the ordinary. The author also lists a variety of other musical works that elicit a similar sense of wonder and spirituality, including compositions by Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven, among others. The article is a personal reflection on the transformative power of music, inviting readers to share in the experience through a provided link to listen to the Tallis motet. The author, Regina Clarke, is identified as a writer of mystery, fantasy, and science fiction, and she expresses gratitude to the readers for engaging with the article.

Opinions

The author finds certain forms of music, especially motets like Tallis' "Spem In Alium," to be transcendent and spiritually moving.
The emotional impact of "Spem In Alium" is described as so powerful that it compels the author to listen to the piece in its entirety.
The author admits to not being a musician and thus cannot explain the technical reasons behind the profound effect of the music.
A wide range of musical compositions across different periods and styles are cited as having a similarly transcendent quality.
The author's appreciation for music extends to various genres and composers, indicating a catholic taste and a deep, personal relationship with music.
The article concludes with a personal note of thanks, suggesting that the act of sharing and discussing these musical experiences is meaningful to the author.

Immersed in perfect joy

Some forms of music feel transcendent from the first notes. The motet is one of these forms for me. It is as if there is an inner force woven through the work, something beyond the ordinary.

Not being a musician, alas, I cannot fathom the why of its effect.

Other forms of music are transcendent — Gregorian chant, the songs by Hildegard von Bingen, anything by Bach, Dvorjak’s 12th String Quartet, Mozart’s 40th Symphony and his Flute and Harp Concerto, Palestrina, Copland’s Quiet Town and Appalachian Spring, Hovhaness’ Mysterious Mountain, Beethoven’s Pastoral, Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings, Ralph Vaughn Williams’ Lark Ascending, the Concierto de Aranjuez by Miles Davis in his Sketches of Spain, Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah, the incredible Novus Magnificat of Constance Demby, Douglas Moore’s Pageant of P.T. Barnum … these and more draw me in forever.

But when I hear this motet — Spem In Alium — by Thomas Tallis, it is like entering an alternate world, and I must stay to the end.

Regina Clarke is a writer of mystery, fantasy, and science fiction, including the fantasy novels Guardians of the Field and MARI.

I’m so glad you are here and thank you for reading (and listening)…