Christopher Tambling (13 May 1964 – 3 October 2015)[1] was a British composer, organist and choirmaster. From 1997 to 2015 he was Director of Music at Downside School and organist and Choirmaster of the Schola Cantorum at Downside Abbey, leading the choir to international success.
Tambling died in Somerset in 2015 and was survived by his wife and two sons, both of whom are professional musicians.
Works
Tambling established himself as a composer and arranger of choral and organ works especially, well beyond the borders of his country. His compositions are often characterized by a romantic, expressive and an easy to get style. His main publisher in the UK was Kevin Mayhew and in German-speaking countries Dr. J. Butz. Tambling published books for students of various instruments, including a hugely successful 4 four-volume series, The Church Organist: A New Method, which, combining technical studies, improvisation, hymn-playing and a broad purview of repertoire, offers an approachable method to mastering the organ and has been lauded as a must-have for any aspiring organist. Tambling also wrote a number of pieces for children, including two children’s musicals with Michael Forster, which have been performed all over the world.
His works include, with the years indicating publication:
Missa brevis in E flat for choir and organ (wind instruments ad lib.)(2017)
Mass in A for choir and organ (strings ad lib.) (2015)
Pastoralmesse for choir, orchestra and organ (2014)
Missa brevis in B-flat for choir and organ, with optional brass and tubular bells (2013)