Date:
c. 1560
Description:
“If Ye Love Me” is a beautiful English anthem by Thomas Tallis, often performed in church settings. It is a simple yet elegant motet, written for four voices, and is known for its smooth, flowing melodies and serene harmonies. The text is drawn from the Bible, specifically from the Gospel of John (14:15), and reflects Tallis’s skill in setting sacred texts to music.
Discussion:
This anthem is an example of Tallis’s English choral writing, showing his mastery in creating smooth voice leading and elegant harmonic progressions. The piece was likely composed for use in Anglican worship and remains a staple in many choral repertoires. The straightforward setting of the text allows the music to shine through, making it accessible for both performers and listeners. The anthem is often performed with SATB (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass) voices, though arrangements for different vocal forces exist.
Composer:
Thomas Tallis (c. 1505–1585)
Arranged by:
Various modern arrangements exist for choir, including SATB and smaller vocal ensembles.
Sheet Music:
Available in collections of Tallis’s sacred works, including those compiled in The Hymn Collection or in modern choral anthologies.
The arrangement we use is available here as a pdf, musescore file
Parts:
Typically performed with SATB voices, but can be arranged for various vocal combinations.
Type:
Sacred anthem
Language:
English
Ranges:
Typically written for SATB voices; the melodic lines sit comfortably within the typical vocal ranges, but the piece requires smooth blending and attention to voicing.
Advice for beginners:
Focus on blending with the other voices and maintaining smooth, even phrases. The anthem’s simplicity means the focus should be on delivering the text with clarity and reverence. Proper breath control is important for the longer phrases.
Sound Files:
Here are some sound files for reference. All parts, soprano, alto, tenor, bass