Christopher Tye - Definition and Overview

Christopher Tye (around 1505 - around 1572) was an English composer and organist.

He studied at Cambridge University, and became a Doctor of Music both there and at Oxford. He was choirmaster of Ely Cathedral from about 1543, resigning his post in 1561. He may have been music teacher to Edward VI.

His Latin church music includes masses (notably one based on the song " The Western Wynde", also the basis of masses by John Taverner and John Sheppard) and psalm settings. He also composed works in English for the Church of England, including services and anthems, and pieces for consorts of viols, including over twenty In Nomines.