BLOW, John
b Newark, Nottinghamshire, baptized 23 February 1649
d Westminster, 1708, aged fifty-nine

His early education was at the Magnus Song School, Newark. At the Restoration he became a chorister in the Chapel Royal, until his voice broke in 1664. In 1668 he became organist at Westminster Abbey, and in 1674 became Master of the Children of the Chapel Royal - a post he kept for the rest of his life. In 1676 he was organist at the Chapel Royal, and in 1677 the degree of doctor of music was conferred on him by the Dean and Chapter of Canterbury. In 1700 he was appointed composer of the Chapel Royal.

c1684 (c35)

Venus and Adonis, a masque

Ode for St Cecilia's Day - 'Begin the Song'

1697 (48)

'My God, my God, look upon me', anthem

1700 (51)

Amphion Angelicus, collection of songs and vocal chamber music

Blow also composed many harpsichord pieces, odes for state occasions, secular songs and catches, 110 anthems, thirteen services, etc.