ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book examines John Taverner's personal and working life, and includes a few fresh pieces of biographical information. It explains the varied nature of the sixteenth- and seventeenth-century musical sources in which the music has been preserved. The book shows in general terms how Taverner's sacred music fitted into the services and devotions of the church. It explores Taverner's musical background, notably with reference to the composers represented in the Eton choirbook. With one or two exceptions, music examples from Taverner are based on Early English Church Music, but with the original note values restored. Taverner had a key role in the consolidation and development of musical style in early Tudor England. A difficulty throughout is the lack of precise information about the chronology of Taverner's work, which severely restricts understanding of how his musical style developed.
