Taverner, John

John Taverner was an English composer and organist, regarded as one of the most important English composers of his era. He was born around 1490 and passed away on October 18, 15451. Taverner is best known for his Missa Gloria tibi Trinitas, The Western Wynde Mass, and Missa Corona Spinea, which are often viewed as masterworks.

Taverner’s career began in earnest when he became the first Organist and Master of the Choristers at Christ Church, Oxford, in 1526, appointed by Cardinal Thomas Wolsey. Before this, he had been a clerk fellow at the Collegiate Church of Tattershall. His involvement with Lutherans in 1528 led to a reprimand, but he escaped punishment due to his status as a musician.

After Cardinal Wolsey fell from favor in 1529, Taverner left Oxford in 1530. He later married a widow named Rose Parrowe, likely in 1536, and she outlived him until 1553. Taverner became an alderman in the town council of Boston during the last five months of his life and was previously the treasurer of the Corpus Christi Guild there. It is believed that he ceased composition after leaving Oxford, as no known works can be dated to after that time.

Taverner’s burial place is under the bell tower at Boston Parish Church, where he is interred with his wife. In the few existing copies of his signature, the composer spelled his last name “Tavernor.” The 20th-century composer Sir John Tavener claimed to be his direct descendant.

Taverner’s legacy includes a significant body of work that has influenced the course of English Renaissance music, and his compositions continue to be performed and studied for their historical importance and musical value.

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