John Blow
1649-1708
John Blow was born in the village of Collingham, Nottinghamshire. He might well have lived in obscure village life. However, he was spotted as a boy singing at Newark Parish Church by Captain Henry Cooke, a leading choir master of his generation. Blow was brought to the Chapel Royal of Charles II.
He was a notable success staying into adulthood with the choir.
While at the Chapel Royal he learned the organ and before the age of 30 had become the choir master and organist to the Chapel Royal. In 1677 the Dean and Chapter of Canterbury awarded him a doctorate of music.
He went on to hold posts as organist at Westminster Abbey and Choir Master at St Paul’s Cathedral.
In 1700 Queen Anne appointed him to the newly created role of Composer to the Chapel Royal.
Over the course of a notable career Blow was tutor to Henry Purcell.
As a composer he was a prolific writer of anthems, he wrote over 100, and in the writing of church services. He one opera Venus and Adonis, which is said to have been a great influence on Purcell’s own Dido and Aeneas. He wrote a number of songs for different combinations of vocal parts.
He died at the height of his fame and was buried in Westminster Abbey. Today his music is largely forgotten and rarely performed.
This was a lovely piece with some magnificent voices - especially the bass. John Blow deserves to be recognised as mainstream. It’s sad that he and others are reduced to becoming curiosities. So, thanks to you, Andrew, for discovering yet another musical gem.
I've dimly heard of John Blow, but yes, as so often, great material rarely heard. What will survive from our time? Yesterday was 50th anniversary of release of Quenn "A Night at the Opera" including Bohemian Rhapsody, which I thought was recent!