Spem in alium nunquam habui

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Spem in alium nunquam habui (In no other is my hope). Motet by Tallis in 40 parts for eight 5-v. choirs. Commissioned by Thomas Howard, 4th Duke of Norfolk (1538–72) as rival to Alessandro Striggio's 40-part motet Ecce beatam lucem (1561). F.p. in Long Gallery of Arundel House, the Duke's London residence on bank of Thames, in 1568 or 1569. Duke is said to have taken gold chain from his neck and placed it round Tallis's in honour of achievement. (Eng. setting entitled ‘Sing and Glorify Heaven's High Majesty’ was made for banquet after Prince Henry's investiture as Prince of Wales, 1610.) First pubd. (in inaccurate edn.) 1888, then in Tudor Church Music 1928 (rev. 1966 by P. Brett).