John Gardiner (died 1586)

John Gardiner (died 1586) was an English composer and musician of the Tudor period. Details about his life are scarce, but he is primarily known for his vocal works, particularly his anthems and motets. He is believed to have served as a Gentleman of the Chapel Royal, a prestigious position indicating high musical ability and service to the monarch.

His compositions are found in several important manuscript collections of the time, including the Peterhouse Partbooks and the Baldwin Partbooks. These works demonstrate a solid understanding of counterpoint and vocal harmony, characteristic of the era. Gardiner's style is generally considered conservative compared to some of his contemporaries, favoring clarity and devotional expression over elaborate ornamentation.

While a comprehensive list of his complete works is difficult to ascertain due to the fragmented nature of surviving manuscripts and potential attribution uncertainties, some of the pieces attributed to him include anthems such as "I Will Give Thanks Unto Thee O Lord" and other Latin motets and services. Further research continues to shed light on his life and works, solidifying his place, albeit a somewhat obscure one, in the history of English Renaissance music.